Plumbing guide

Water Leak Checklist for Cranbourne Homes

Suspect a hidden water leak? This simple checklist for Cranbourne residents helps you use your water meter to check for leaks and understand who is responsible for repairs, so you can take the right next step.

A hidden water leak can cause property damage and increase your water bills. If you've noticed damp spots, mould, or an unexplained rise in water usage, it's wise to investigate. This guide helps you perform a basic check and understand your responsibilities as a Cranbourne property owner.

How to Check for a Water Leak with Your Meter

Your water meter is a useful tool for detecting a potential leak on your property. South East Water suggests a simple observation test you can do yourself. See South East Water's leak guidance.

Stop all water use: Make sure no taps are running, the washing machine and dishwasher are off, and no one is flushing a toilet.
Take a meter reading: Write down all the numbers on your water meter's dial.
Wait 20 minutes: Continue to avoid using any water during this time.
Take a second reading: Check the meter again. If the numbers have changed, it suggests water is flowing somewhere on your property, which could indicate a leak.

It's a good idea to repeat the test to be sure. Keep in mind that a slowly leaking toilet cistern or a dripping tap can also cause the meter to change, so check these fixtures first.

What the Meter Test Doesn't Tell You

While this test can confirm that water is being used, it won't tell you where the leak is or how serious it is. It's a starting point for diagnosis, not a complete solution. For an accurate diagnosis, you may need professional help.

Understanding Responsibility: Your Property vs. the Utility

Knowing who is responsible for repairs is crucial. In Cranbourne, the water meter is usually the dividing line. Check South East Water's responsibility guidance.

Property Owner's Responsibility: You are generally responsible for the pipes, taps, and fixtures on your side of the water meter. This includes all the plumbing inside your home and the underground pipe connecting your home to the meter.
Water Authority's Responsibility: The water authority (South East Water) is responsible for the water meter itself and the mains network that runs up to it.

If you live in a unit or apartment complex, the responsibilities can be different. It's best to consult the official guidance from your water authority or speak with your owner's corporation.

What to Do Next

If observations or symptoms suggest a possible leak, seek advice about further assessment. Ask what investigation method is proposed, its access needs and its limitations. For separate drainage symptoms, see our blocked drains information.

When you make a plumbing enquiry, it's helpful to share what you've found. Share the signs you have noticed. If you performed a meter observation, include the readings; testing is optional. This information can help them understand the situation. For a hot water fault, see our hot water repair information, or describe your symptoms in an enquiry.

Questions and Answers

What do I do if my water meter reading changed during the test?

Movement while no water is being used may indicate a leak. Repeat the observation and follow South East Water guidance. It does not identify the location or repair required; seek advice about further assessment.

Is a dripping tap a serious leak?

Even a small drip can waste a surprising amount of water over time, increasing your bills. It's also a sign that the fixture needs repair. It's best to get dripping taps and leaking toilets fixed promptly.

Who is responsible for a leak in an apartment building?

In apartment blocks or units, responsibility can be complex. It often depends on whether the leak is in your private plumbing or a shared pipe. We recommend checking with your owner's corporation or property manager for guidance.

What information should I provide when making a plumbing enquiry?

Describe the signs you noticed. If you performed a meter observation, share the readings; testing is optional. Known fixture details can help but are not required.