Water Damage Prevention Checklist

• Check shower screens and surrounds for water staining, mould, or soft grout.
• Check under bathrooms and laundries for damp, staining, or pipe corrosion if accessible.
• Feel ceilings below bathrooms. Soft spots or water stains indicate water running from above.
• Check tile grout. Crumbling or missing grout lets water through and should be repaired.

• After heavy rain, check ceilings, corners, and light fittings for water stains or new damp patches.
• Clear gutters and downpipes twice yearly and look for rust or splits in downpipes.
• Check flashing and seals around chimneys, vents, and skylights.
• In the attic or roof space, look for water stains, wet insulation, or active dripping.

• Check driveways and paths for soft spots, cracks, or discolouration.
• Check lawn and garden areas for one section that is significantly greener or wetter.
• Check external taps and hose connections for dripping, rust stains, and corrosion.
• Check around the metre for obvious water escaping from the fitting or nearby pipes.

• Measure water loss with a bucket test.
• Check chemical consumption. Faster drops than expected can indicate water loss.
• Check the equipment pad. Consistently wet ground under the pump or filter indicates a possible return-line leak.

Before groundwork

• Call Dial Before You Dig to mark underground pipes, cables, and services.
• Have existing pipes pressure tested before they are buried under new concrete.

After plumbing work

• Ask your plumber to pressure test new connections.
• Get written confirmation for your records.

• The metre shows a leak but there is no visible damage.
• You see water damage but cannot find the source.
• The water bill is climbing and you want certainty before spending on repairs.