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Australian Leak Detection
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Private preview
This live site is currently protected while final checks are underway.
Water & Pipe
Pool & External
Leak detection is the specialised process of locating the source of a water leak using professional-grade equipment and methodology, without guessing, drilling exploratory holes, or opening walls. Plumbers are trained in pipe installation, system design, repair, and maintenance—not specifically in finding hidden leaks. When you call a plumber with a leak they cannot immediately see (like water in a ceiling or high water bill), you're paying for their time while they investigate, often through exploratory work that may damage your property. We specialise exclusively in finding leaks using acoustic detection (listening for water escaping under pressure), pressure testing (detecting pressure loss in lines), thermal imaging (detecting temperature changes), and visual inspection. Once we've located the leak precisely and provided you with a written report, you engage a plumber to perform the repair. Think of us as the diagnostic specialist, and your plumber as the repair specialist.
The key difference is specialisation. Just as you would see a cardiologist for heart problems rather than asking your general physician to perform open-heart surgery, you engage a leak detection specialist for diagnosis and a plumber for repair. This separation of skills ensures both jobs are done efficiently and professionally. You save money because we narrow down the problem before the plumber arrives, and you save property damage because exploratory work is replaced with targeted diagnosis.
No. We detect and locate leaks; we do not repair them. This separation is intentional and important—it means we're independent diagnosticians, not trying to sell you a repair job. Once we've provided you with a detailed report showing exactly where the leak is located, what we found, and recommended next steps, you can take that report to any plumber and receive repair quotes. Many customers show our report to multiple plumbers and choose based on price, availability, reputation, and scheduling. We're happy to coordinate with your chosen plumber—answering technical questions about our findings and explaining our detection methodology so they understand the repair scope.
Most residential water leak detection inspections take 1 to 2 hours from arrival to completion. For commercial properties, larger buildings, or complex multi-unit properties, inspections may take 2 to 4 hours depending on the size of the property, the number of affected areas, and the nature of the suspected leak. We'll provide an estimated timeframe when you book based on your description, and we'll call you before arriving so you can have water access and property areas ready. We confirm timing based on location, job requirements, and property access needs.
We use specialised equipment: acoustic detection using sensitive microphones that pick up the distinctive sound of water escaping under pressure through pipes, pressure testing where we pressurize water lines and monitor pressure to confirm they hold steady without loss, thermal imaging using infrared cameras that detect temperature differences indicating water presence, and visual inspection with borescope cameras that allow us to see into wall cavities and concealed pipes without opening them up. The specific equipment used depends on the type of leak suspected, the property layout, pipe materials, and the accessibility of suspect areas. We choose the most appropriate methodology for your specific situation.
Acoustic and pressure testing methods are highly accurate—typically pinpointing leaks to within 1 to 2 metres of their actual location, and often identifying the exact location. For many active leaks under pressure, we can say "the leak is in the water line under the east wall in the kitchen" with high confidence. Accuracy varies depending on several factors: active leaks under full water pressure are easiest to locate; slow seeps or historical leaks with reduced flow are more challenging; leaks in concrete slabs can be harder to pinpoint than leaks in accessible pipe runs. We'll be honest about the limitations of detection in your specific situation and clearly explain any uncertainty in our final report, including confidence levels for our findings.
Our pricing depends on the service type and your location. Standard residential water leak detection typically ranges from $350 to $650. Commercial properties, large buildings, pool leak detection, pressure testing on new construction, or complex multi-unit properties may be higher depending on scope and complexity. We provide specific, firm pricing once you describe your situation, location, property type, and suspected leak characteristics. Our pricing is always transparent—the quote you receive is the price you pay. There are no hidden fees, no surprise charges, and no hourly rate escalations.
Consider the value: a leak detection cost of $400–$600 compared to a high water bill of $500–$1,000 per month makes detection a worthwhile investment. If our detection prevents even one month of undetected leak loss, it has paid for itself. For commercial properties, pool leaks, or multi-unit buildings where costs scale up significantly, professional detection often saves many thousands in water charges alone. Compare this to the alternative: months of trial-and-error repair attempts, frustrated clients, repeated unsuccessful repairs, and significant property damage from exploratory work. Professional leak detection is a cost-effective first step that provides certainty and saves money in the long run.
We charge a flat service fee for leak detection that includes travel time, inspection time, and report preparation. We do not charge separate hourly labour rates. If you're located outside our normal service areas, availability and any travel component will be confirmed before booking. We'll confirm any travel component when we provide your pricing—no surprise charges upon arrival or in your invoice.
Yes, absolutely. Our leak detection reports are accepted by most major home and landlord insurers as supporting documentation for water damage claims. The report documents what we found, where it was located, what detection method we used, when the inspection was conducted, and our professional assessment of the leak source. Insurance adjusters recognize this factual, method-documented format as credible evidence. When you file your insurance claim, provide the report to your insurer—it will support their assessment, help them make fair coverage decisions, and often speeds up claim processing.
Different services require different expertise, equipment, and time commitments. A straightforward residential water leak detection might take 1 to 2 hours using acoustic detection and pressure testing. Pool leak detection is more complex, often requiring dye tracing, pressure testing, and multiple testing approaches. Pressure testing on newly installed construction systems requires certification and detailed documentation. Sewer camera inspection (CCTV) uses specialised equipment and expertise. We price each service based on the time, equipment, expertise, and complexity required. We're transparent about what's included in each service offering and explain why pricing varies between different services.
Yes, usually. You or an authorized representative need to be home to provide access to all areas of the property, answer questions about when the issue started, point out any visible water damage or staining, confirm water usage patterns, and ensure we can access necessary areas like under-sink spaces, water meters, and yard sections. For some commercial properties, we may arrange access with a building manager or facilities coordinator. We'll confirm access requirements specifically when you book the inspection.
Have your water meter visible and accessible—we'll check it to help confirm water loss. Point out any visible water damage, staining, or wet patches you've noticed. If you have previous plumbing work records, property plans showing pipe routes, or building documentation, those are helpful (but not required). Ensure we have access to all relevant areas—basement, garden, under-slab spaces if accessible, roof access if needed. Be prepared to answer questions about when the problem started, whether water loss is constant or intermittent, any changes in water pressure or temperature, and recent plumbing work or renovations that might be relevant. Having water meters readings from the last few bills helps us understand the scale and timeline of water loss. If you know which rooms or areas are affected, that helps us prioritize inspection areas. The more information you provide upfront, the more efficient our inspection can be.
You receive a detailed written leak detection report in digital format (email PDF) and/or printed copies (depending on your preference). The report includes high-quality photographs of the suspect leak area, our inspection process, and any visible findings or damage. You receive a floor plan or diagram showing the leak location with reference points so you and your plumber know exactly where the problem is. The report documents our detection methodology in plain language so you understand how we reached our conclusions. Our findings and professional assessment explain what we found, where it is located, and what is causing the problem. Severity rating indicates whether this is an active, high-pressure leak that needs immediate attention, an intermittent leak, or a slow seep. Clear recommendations for next steps guide you toward repair and resolution. For most residential leaks, you receive the report within 24 hours of inspection. For complex commercial properties or multi-unit buildings, we may request a few additional hours to ensure thoroughness. You can provide this report immediately to your plumber, insurance company, strata manager, or legal representative.
Appointment availability depends on location and job requirements. For urgent situations, call us directly so we can confirm what is possible for your area.
The bucket test is a simple first check: fill a bucket with pool water, place it on the pool deck nearby, and mark the water level in both the bucket and your pool. After 24 hours, compare the levels. If your pool level has dropped more than the bucket level, inspection may be needed. Evaporation varies with weather, exposure, water temperature, and use, so subtle leaks are easy to miss without testing. We offer dye tracing, pressure testing on plumbing lines, and structural inspection to confirm the leak location.
Not usually. Most pool leak detection can be performed with the pool filled to normal level. We use acoustic detection on plumbing lines, dye tracing to follow water movement, and visual inspection to locate leaks without draining. In some cases—large structural cracks, suspected multiple leaks, or when we need to inspect the pool structure itself—draining might be discussed as an option. We'll explain the situation and discuss whether draining is necessary before recommending it. Draining is often a last resort because it's disruptive, expensive, costly in terms of water waste, and doesn't always reveal small hairline leaks that only appear under pressure. Our non-destructive detection methods are designed to pinpoint leaks while the pool is in normal use condition, which is when leaks are actually occurring.
Yes, we have extensive experience detecting leaks in all common pool types. Fibreglass pools often develop cracks in the gel coat or structural damage. Concrete pools are prone to structural movement and cracking. Vinyl pools can develop pinhole leaks, seam failures, or punctures. Our detection methods—dye tracing, acoustic detection on associated plumbing, visual inspection, and pressure testing—work effectively across all pool types. We'll identify the leak location and severity, allowing you to obtain repair quotes from pool specialists or your chosen contractor.
Possibly, but not always. A sudden spike in water usage could indicate a leak, but it could also result from unusual usage patterns: guests staying with you, lawn watering during hot weather, pool refill, hot tub operation, or a running toilet that fills constantly. Check your meter by turning off all water inside and outside the house and observing the meter for 15 minutes. If it moves, you likely have an active leak. If it remains stationary, no active leak is occurring. If you cannot isolate the issue through these simple checks, or if you've checked everything obvious and your bill remains high, call us. We'll inspect and confirm whether a leak is present.
A meter that continues moving when all water sources are turned off indicates an active leak somewhere between the meter and your interior fixtures. It could be a running toilet (check all toilet tanks for continuous water movement in the bowl), a dripping tap, or a hidden burst pipe. A running toilet wastes thousands of litres monthly and is usually cheap to fix. If toilets are fine and all taps are off, you likely have an underground or hidden internal leak. Call us and we'll locate it professionally.
Yes. Underground leaks under concrete slabs are among our most common work. We use acoustic detection (sensitive listening for water escaping under pressure in pipes beneath the slab) and pressure testing (detecting pressure loss as water escapes) to locate these leaks without drilling up the expensive concrete. Once we've pinpointed the location, your plumber can decide whether to dig a strategic access point, reroute water lines around the damaged section, or replace the section of pipe. Our detection removes the guesswork from what would otherwise be very expensive excavation decisions.
Absolutely. Plumbers are skilled at repairs, not specifically trained in finding hidden leaks. It's not unusual for a plumber to inspect a property, fail to locate a hidden leak, and recommend exploratory excavation or wall opening as the next step. That's precisely when specialist leak detection comes in. We have equipment and methodology specifically designed for leak location that goes beyond visual inspection. Many of our jobs are referrals from plumbers who couldn't find the leak themselves. Bring our detailed professional report to your plumber—they'll know exactly where to work, saving time, money, and property damage.
You don't need to know whether it's in the wall, underground, or under your slab. Just tell us what you've noticed, and ALD will take it from there.
