$495
For a standard underground leak detection inspection.
- Acoustic correlation of the affected pipe run
- Ground listening scan of the suspected zone
- Precise surface marking of leak position
- Written report for your plumber or council
Underground Leak Detection
A leaking underground main line can waste hundreds of litres a day, gradually erode the soil beneath your property, and drive water bills into the thousands before anyone notices. By the time you see wet ground, the leak may have been running for weeks. Australian Leak Detection uses acoustic correlation equipment and ground-penetrating techniques to pinpoint underground leaks to within centimetres — no digging required. You get a marked location your plumber can act on immediately.
For buried pipes beneath driveways, gardens, concrete slabs, and service pits.
What Is Underground Leak Detection?
Underground leak detection is the process of locating water loss from pipes buried beneath driveways, gardens, concrete slabs, or in service pits — without excavation. The challenge with underground leaks is that the visible symptoms often appear metres away from the actual leak source, due to water following the path of least resistance through the soil.
Specialist acoustic correlation equipment calculates the leak's position by measuring the difference in noise travel time between two sensors placed along the pipe. This method works for copper, HDPE, PVC, and steel pipes regardless of depth. For larger properties or complex pipe networks, we also use ground-penetrating radar to map pipe routes before isolating the leak point.
Signs You May Have This Type of Leak
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Your water bill has risen sharply without any change in usage
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There are consistently wet or muddy patches in your yard, driveway, or path
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Sections of your lawn are greener and growing faster than surrounding areas
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You notice cracking in your driveway, path, or building foundations
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Water pressure throughout the property has dropped noticeably
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Your water meter shows flow even when all taps are off
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There are unexplained puddles in areas that don't collect rainwater
How We Detect Underground Leaks
This process works regardless of what the pipe is made from, how deep it's buried, or whether it runs under concrete or paving. We work on residential water mains, commercial service lines, and strata common area pipe networks.
Pricing Guide
FAQs
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How deep underground can you detect leaks?
Our acoustic equipment is effective at typical residential pipe depths of 0.3m to 2m. For deeper commercial or municipal pipe networks, we use a combination of correlation and pressure testing. The effective depth depends on the pipe material, soil type, and ground conditions — your technician will advise on any limitations before starting.
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Do you need access to the pipe to use acoustic equipment?
We need access to two points on the pipe — typically a meter box, isolation valve, or hydrant — on either side of the suspected leak zone. In most residential situations, this access already exists. For properties with limited access points, we may recommend a complementary approach such as ground listening.
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Will you mark exactly where to dig?
Yes. Once we've located the leak, we mark the surface position clearly — typically with spray paint or a pin marker. Your plumber or excavation contractor can then open only the minimum required area. Most underground leaks we locate are repaired with a single, targeted excavation.
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Can you find a leak under my concrete driveway?
Yes. Acoustic equipment detects the sound of water escaping through the soil beneath concrete slabs and hard-stand surfaces. This is one of the most common scenarios we deal with — a pipe running beneath a driveway that has cracked or corroded. We give the plumber a precise location so they cut once, not three times.
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My water authority says I have a leak — what do I do?
If your water authority has flagged a leak (through a compliance notice or a meter check), we recommend calling us immediately. The sooner the leak is located and repaired, the sooner you can stop accumulating water costs. Many authorities have a Leak Allowance policy — our report can support your credit application.
Related Services
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Water Leak Detection
High water bill? Mysterious damp spot? Slow drip inside the walls? We use acoustic listening and tracer gas technology to locate water leaks precisely, without breaking concrete, tiles, or drywall. Full written report included, with repair guidance for your plumber.
View Service -
Pipe Location & Utility Mapping
Know exactly where every pipe runs before you dig, drill, or build. We map water, gas, electrical, and drainage lines using ground-penetrating radar and acoustic location — preventing costly and dangerous mistakes.
View Service -
Pressure Testing
Inert gas (nitrogen/helium) pressure testing for pipe integrity checks. We test newly installed systems, repaired lines, or existing infrastructure to confirm system integrity. Complies with AS3500 standards and provides documentary proof for councils and builders.
View Service
Underground leaks don't wait.
Every day without a fix is money down the drain — literally. Get us in, get a precise location, and let your plumber make one clean excavation.