Leak Detection Call-Out in Perth Ends in a Canine Twist
Not every job ends with a burst pipe or broken drain — and this one definitely took an unexpected (and furry) turn.
Our leak detection plumber Darius was recently called out to a Perth property where the homeowner was concerned about subsidence under their timber deck. The ground had started to shift, and they feared it might be a water leak under the surface.
As always, we came prepared — all the gear, every idea — ready to rule out any plumbing-related issues. And that’s exactly what we did.
🧪 Step 1: Pressure Test on the Water Main
The first step was a static pressure test on the main water line. Darius monitored it closely for 5–10 minutes, keeping an eye out for any drop in pressure.
💬 “Not a blip — water main held steady the whole time.”
So we ruled out any leak on the house supply.
🎥 Step 2: CCTV Stormwater Inspection
Next up, Darius popped his CCTV drain camera into the stormwater system beneath the area of concern. This is a common cause of soft soil and subsidence — especially in older properties or after heavy rainfall.
💬 “The stormwater line actually looked great — no cracks, breaks, or blockages. Not a drop out of place.”
Another potential culprit ruled out.
🐶 Step 3: What’s That Under the Deck?
Still not satisfied, Darius got down under the deck for a closer inspection — and that’s when the mystery was finally solved.
He found:
- Tufts of dog fur stuck to the underside of the timber joists
- Disturbed soil and signs of active digging
- Clear signs that a curious canine friend had been nesting or burrowing underneath!
Sometimes it’s not plumbing — it’s pawprints. 🐾
💡 The Lesson? Not All Subsidence Is Caused by Plumbing Leaks
It’s easy to jump to conclusions when you see ground movement, but this job is a great reminder that:
- Not all subsidence is caused by leaking pipes or stormwater
- A thorough investigation by a leak detection expert can save you unnecessary plumbing work
- Sometimes the best fix is just keeping the dog off the tools 😉
🛠 Need Help With Deck Movement or Suspected Leaks?
We don’t just fix plumbing — we investigate it properly. Whether it’s a genuine leak or something else entirely, we’ll find the source and walk you through the best solution.
🐾 No callout fee | 🛠️ Qualified real plumbers | 📆 7-day availability
Plumbdog Perth — Leak Detection Specialists
