
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.
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.
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.

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

Jackal Plumbing is based on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and services the North Shore, Sydney City, Inner West and Eastern Suburbs.
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