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How to spot a watermain leak

Your Local Leak Detection — accurate, professional, and here when you need us most.

Early Warning Signs of a Watermain Leak

Watermain leaks can be sneaky, costly, and damaging if left unnoticed. Catching the warning signs early can save you from high repair bills, property damage, and wasted water. Here are the most common indicators to look for—each one paired with a photo to help you quickly identify a potential leak around your home or property.

Unexplained high water bills

Sudden spikes without extra usage.

Damp patches on driveway or lawn

Boggy grass or water seeping from cracks in your driveway

Low water pressure

Weaker flow from taps, showers, or appliances.

Hissing or running water sounds

Especially when no taps are on.

Water meter ticking

Moving rapidly even when no water is being used.

Foundation cracks

Caused by water undermining soil and structure.

Visible leaks

Water seeping or spraying from pipes.

How do I check my water meter for leaks?

Checking your water meter is one of the easiest ways to confirm if you have a hidden leak.

  1. Turn off all taps and water-using appliances inside and outside your home.

  2. Locate your water meter (usually in a box near the front boundary of your property).

  3. Watch the small red or black dial/triangle on the meter face.

    • If it’s moving when no water is being used, there may be a leak.

  4. To double-check, record the meter reading, leave all water off for 30–60 minutes, then re-check. If the numbers have gone up, water is escaping somewhere.

If your meter shows constant movement, call Your Local Leak Detection Auckland on 09 815 2240 for leak detection before the problem gets worse.

How do I read my Watercare bill?

Your Watercare bill shows both your water use and fixed charges. The key parts to check are:

  • Water Usage – measured in cubic metres (1m³ = 1,000 litres). Compare this month’s usage to previous bills. A sudden spike usually points to a leak.

  • Meter Readings – the “Previous Reading” and “Current Reading” should match what’s on your physical water meter. If usage seems unusually high, check your meter at home.

  • Wastewater Charges – based on the amount of water supplied. If water is leaking into the ground, you’ll still be billed for it.

If your Watercare bill suddenly jumps without any change in your household use, it’s often the first sign of a leak. Our team can check your property and locate the problem fast.

How do I know if a leak is Watercare’s responsibility or mine?

In Auckland, responsibility for leaks depends on where the leak is located:

  • Watercare’s side (public network):
     Watercare is responsible for leaks in the council-owned network, up to and including the water meter on your boundary. If the leak is in the street, on the berm, or before the meter, Watercare will repair it.

  • Private side (your responsibility):
     Any leaks after the water meter – including the supply line (watermain) running into your house, internal pipework, and fixtures – are considered private property. These repairs are the homeowner’s responsibility.

💡 Tip: If your water meter is spinning when no water is being used inside, that usually means there’s a leak on your private side.

If you’re not sure, call us on 09 815 2240. We can investigate, confirm whether the leak is on your side or Watercare’s, and provide a clear report to help you take the next step.