Skip to main content

Burst Pipes and Water Leaks

Finding the source of a water leak isn’t always as simple as finding the water. A water leak can start in one location and appear somewhere completely different. Water can travel through walls, under floors, beneath tiles and through building structures before you see the first sign of a problem.

At Jackal Plumbing, we investigate a range of water leaks, from obvious burst water pipes and leaking garden mains through to hidden pinhole leaks, leaking drains and waterproofing failures in bathrooms, balconies and other wet areas.

The key is to identify where the water is coming from before carrying out the repair.

We use a range of testing methods to help determine the source of the problem, including pressure testing, dye testing, flood testing, drain inspections and visual inspection.

What type of water leak do you have?

Not every water leak is a plumbing pipe leak. Some leaks are caused by damaged or deteriorating pipework, while others are caused by drains, waterproofing membranes or water entering a building from outside.

Water Supply Pipe Leaks

A leaking water supply pipe can occur anywhere between your water meter and the fixtures inside your property.

Leaks may occur:

  • Around the water meter
  • In garden areas
  • Under lawns, paving or driveways
  • Under concrete slabs
  • Inside walls
  • In ceilings or floors
  • Around plumbing fixtures
  • In older or deteriorating pipework

An underground water pipe leak may not always be immediately obvious. You might notice a constantly wet patch in the garden, unusually lush vegetation, a drop in water pressure or an unexplained increase in your water bill.

In some cases, the first indication is water appearing inside the house.

Pinhole Leaks Inside Walls

Small leaks can sometimes develop in water pipes hidden inside walls, ceilings or floors.

A pinhole leak may be particularly difficult to find because the amount of water escaping can be relatively small. Rather than producing an obvious stream of water, it can gradually saturate plasterboard, insulation, timber or other building materials.

Signs can include:

  • Damp or discoloured patches on walls or ceilings
  • Bubbling or peeling paint
  • Mould or a musty smell
  • Damaged skirting boards
  • Water appearing from a wall or ceiling
  • A sound of running water when fixtures are turned off
  • An unexplained increase in water usage

Where appropriate, pressure testing can help determine whether a pressurised water pipe is leaking without immediately opening up walls or floors.