A higher water bill, a meter that keeps ticking with every tap off, damp walls or a soggy patch in the lawn. Clayton tracks down the leak and fixes it, and gives you the paperwork you need for Unitywater.
Turn off every tap and water-using appliance in the house and yard.
Read the water meter and note the numbers (or take a photo).
Wait 30–60 minutes without using any water.
Read the meter again. If it has moved, water is escaping somewhere.
A toilet that keeps trickling into the bowl is one of the most common hidden leaks. Put a few drops of food colouring in the cistern; if colour shows in the bowl within 15 minutes without flushing, the cistern is leaking.
Unitywater digital meters and leak alerts
Unitywater is installing digital water meters across its network from 2026, starting with older areas. Once yours is fitted, you can get an SMS or email alert when your lowest daily water use stays above 500 litres for two days in a row. That usually means a leak, so call a plumber rather than waiting for the next bill.
Getting money back on a big bill
Unitywater's Concealed Leak Allowance can refund part of the extra charges from a hidden leak:
70% of the extra water usage charges and 100% of the extra sewerage usage charges
Up to two billing quarters, once per property per ownership
The leak must be repaired by a licensed plumber, with the invoice, within the last 12 months
Clayton's invoice includes his licence number and what was repaired, which is what Unitywater asks for. Check the current terms with Unitywater before applying.
Common leak spots
Toilet cisterns and inlet valves
Dripping taps and shower mixers
Hot water relief valves running constantly
Pipes under slabs or in walls (often found by a warm spot on the floor or a damp wall)
Garden and irrigation lines
Pool top-up lines and float valves
Holiday homes and Airbnbs are worth a check between stays. A slow leak can run unnoticed for weeks when nobody is there.
What customers say
★★★★★
Clayton has been doing work for me in my bnb business for a number of years. I would never use anyone else again. Wonderful man with great family values. Very friendly trustworthy and professional.
amanda hicks · Google review
★★★★★
We've used Clayton Cassel for our plumbing and occasional gas needs for the past eight years and have found him to be competent, reliable and easy to work with. He's highly recommended.
Turn off all taps and appliances, read the meter, wait 30–60 minutes and read it again. Any movement means water is escaping.
Can I get a refund on my water bill for a leak?
Unitywater’s Concealed Leak Allowance may refund part of the extra charges if the leak was hidden and was repaired by a licensed plumber. You’ll need the plumber’s invoice.
Is a leaking hot water relief valve normal?
A small amount of water while the unit heats is normal. Constant running, or water leaking from the tank body, is not.
