NEED A PLUMBER? WE sniff out and fix leaks!
Licensed Perth leak detection plumbers
Water Leak Detection Perth
Mystery water bill? Damp wall? Meter ticking over with every tap off? We sniff out the leak with proper detection gear, then fix it. Usually in the same visit.
Same visitDetect and repair with one plumber, not three
$125Site visit fee, waived when you go ahead
7 daysWeekends and public holidays, no surcharge
detecting water leaks
Which one sounds like your leak?
Pick the symptom and we’ll show you what’s usually behind it, what it costs to find, and how we fix it.
Not sure? Book a site visit and we’ll work it out on the day.
Our leak detection services
Every kind of leak, one number to call
Residential leak detection
Behind walls, under slabs, out in the yard. We locate without ripping your home apart.
Commercial &
strata
Retail, industrial and strata sites. Fast location, minimal disruption, reports for owners and managers.
Shower & bathroom leaks
Still leaking after a reseal? That’s plumbing, not silicone. We test drains, walls and under tiles.
Pool & spa leaks
Level dropping or pump losing pressure? We test skimmers, returns and pipework before it damages the property.
Reticulation
leaks
We trace and pressure test irrigation lines, a must in Perth’s sandy soil where leaks hide well.
Water meter still spinning
Everything is off and the dial keeps turning. We isolate zones and pinpoint where the water is going.
Underground pipe leaks
Sinking driveway, wet lawn, cracked paving. We find and mark buried leaks so they can be repaired properly.
Emergency leak detection
Water gushing or a ceiling about to give way? Priority response, 7 days, including weekends.
High water bills
The bill says there’s a leak but nothing looks wet. We find hidden losses and stop the waste.
Ceiling leak detection
Brown stains, sagging gyprock or bubbling paint. Thermal and moisture testing finds the source above.
Roof leak detection
Drips after storms or pooling near eaves. We check flashings and plumbing penetrations and advise next steps.
Our detection equipment
Thermal imaging, acoustic listening, tracer gas, pressure testing. See what’s in the van and what each tool finds.
What happens on site
No guessing. No surprise invoice.
- 01We arrive with the full kitEvery Plumbdog van carries detection gear, so there’s no second visit to bring the equipment.
- 02We walk through the symptomsWhere it’s wet, when it started, what the bill looks like. Then we inspect the site.
- 03You get an upfront estimateA clear price to locate the leak before any equipment comes out.
- 04We pinpoint the leakAcoustic, thermal, tracer gas or pressure testing, chosen for your property and symptoms.
- 05We quote the repair and usually fix it on the spotLicensed plumbers, so there’s no handover to another trade.
- 06You pay on completionEFTPOS, card or bank transfer. Nothing upfront.
Pricing, plainly
$125
Site visit & inspection
- Waived entirely when you go ahead with the detection or repair
- Detection quoted upfront, before we start
- Same price weekends and public holidays
- Repair quoted separately once the leak is found
- Waived entirely when you go ahead with the detection or repair
- Detection quoted upfront, before we start
- Same price weekends and public holidays
- Repair quoted separately once the leak is found
All the gear and every idea
How we find leaks you can't see
Best for pressurised
pipes
Acoustic leak detection
Ground microphones and listening gear pick up the sound of water escaping a pipe under slabs, paving and lawn.
Best for walls and ceilings
Thermal imaging
Infrared cameras show temperature changes where water is sitting behind gyprock, tiles or ceilings, without opening anything up.
Best for confirming a leak
Pressure testing
We isolate sections of pipework and watch for pressure drop, narrowing the leak to a single line or zone.
Best for damp
patches
Moisture meters
Pin and pinless meters map how far moisture has travelled, so we can trace it back to the source instead of the symptom.
We also carry tracer gas and pipe locators for stubborn underground leaks. The plumber picks the method on the day based on what they’re seeing.
Why Plumbdog
One dog for the whole job
Detect and repair in one visit
Plenty of leak detection services only diagnose. Some just guess. We bring the gear and the plumbing licence, so most leaks are fixed on the spot.
Fewer callouts, less cost
Forget calling a plumber, then a leak detector, then another plumber. One booking, one van, one invoice.
7 days, no weekend surcharge
Leaks don’t wait for Monday. Neither do we. Same rates every day, including public holidays.
Upfront pricing
You approve the detection cost before we start and the repair cost before we fix. The $125 site fee disappears when you proceed.
Permanent fixes, not patches
Had the same leak twice? We’ll tell you straight if a reroute or pipe replacement will save you money long term.
Perth locals, Perth pipes
Sandy soil, old copper, slab homes. We know how leaks behave here and where they like to hide.
What our customers say
Rated by Perth homeowners
Perth wide coverage
Alkimos to Mandurah, Fremantle to Midland
We service homes and businesses across the metro area, and everywhere in between.
- Joondalup
- Wanneroo
- Scarborough
- Subiaco
- Perth CBD
- Victoria Park
- Cannington
- Fremantle
- Cockburn
- Rockingham
- Mandurah
- Armadale
- Midland
- Ellenbrook
- Morley
Leak detection in Perth, explained
How does water leak detection work?
Water leak detection uses specialist equipment to find a hidden leak without digging up floors, walls or gardens to go looking. A licensed plumber first confirms there is a leak and narrows it to a zone, usually with a pressure test or meter check. They then pinpoint the exact spot using acoustic listening gear, thermal imaging, moisture meters or tracer gas, depending on where the pipe runs and what it’s made of.
Every job follows the same three stages. What changes is the equipment we use to get there.
1. Confirm the leak
Before any gear comes out, we check the water meter with every tap and appliance off. If the meter is still moving, water is escaping somewhere. A pressure test on the lines tells us how fast it’s being lost and whether it’s on the mains side, the hot water side or the irrigation.
2. Narrow it to a zone
Most properties have several separate runs of pipe: the mains coming in, internal hot and cold lines, and often a retic system out the back. We isolate each section in turn and watch which one drops pressure. This takes a leak from “somewhere on the property” to one specific line, which saves a lot of time and guesswork.
3. Pinpoint the exact spot
Once we know which line is leaking, we choose the right tool for where that line runs.
The equipment we use, and when
Acoustic leak detection
Water escaping a pressurised pipe makes a distinct sound. Ground microphones and listening probes pick up that noise through concrete, paving, tiles and soil, and it gets louder the closer we get to the leak. This is our go to for leaks under slabs, driveways and lawns.
Thermal imaging
Infrared cameras show temperature differences across a surface. A leaking hot water pipe shows up warm, and water sitting behind gyprock or tiles shows up cool. It’s ideal for walls, ceilings and floors because we can see the problem without opening anything up.
Moisture meters
Moisture meters measure how wet a material is and how far the water has spread. We use them to map damp patches back to their source, which matters because the stain on your wall is often a metre or more from the actual leak.
Tracer gas
For the stubborn ones, we fill the line with a safe, harmless gas mix that escapes through even a pinhole leak. A sensitive detector then picks it up at the surface. This works well on low pressure lines and very small leaks that acoustic gear can’t hear.
Pressure testing and pipe locators
Pressure testing confirms a leak and proves the repair has worked afterwards. Pipe locators trace where a line actually runs underground, which is essential on older Perth properties where the original plans are long gone.
Why the right tool matters
A plumber without detection gear has one option: start cutting holes where the damage looks worst and hope. That can mean a wrecked bathroom wall for a leak that was in the ceiling above. We bring the full kit to every job so our plumbers can pick the method that suits your property on the day, rather than barking up the wrong wall.
Once the leak is found, we mark it, show you what we’ve found, and quote the repair. Because our leak detection specialists are licensed plumbers, most repairs are done in the same visit.
How much does leak detection cost in Perth?
Leak detection in Perth can’t be accurately priced over the phone because no two properties or leaks are the same. At Plumbdog, a site visit and inspection costs $125. Once our plumber has assessed the property, you get an upfront estimate for the detection before any work starts. If you go ahead, the $125 fee is waived.
Why we don't quote leak detection over the phone
A leak under a new slab home in Baldivis and a leak in a 1970s brick and tile in Morley are completely different jobs. The price depends on things we can only see on site:
- Where the leak is: under a slab, inside a wall, in the ceiling, underground, in the retic or in a pool
- How old the plumbing is and what it’s made of, from modern PEX to decades old copper or galvanised steel
- How big the property is and how many separate lines need testing
- Access to pipework, meters and isolation valves
- Whether there’s more than one leak, which is common on older systems
- Which detection methods the job actually needs
Any phone quote has to guess at all of that. It either gets padded to cover the worst case, or it’s low to win the job and climbs once the plumber arrives. We’d rather look first and give you a real number.
What happens at the site inspection
Our plumber arrives with all the detection gear in the van. They’ll ask about the symptoms, when you first noticed them and what your water bill has been doing, then check the meter and walk the property. From there they’ll explain what they think is going on, which methods they’d use to find it, and what that will cost. Nothing gets tested until you’ve approved the price.
What you'll pay
- $125 site visit and inspection, waived when you go ahead with the detection or repair
- Detection estimate given upfront, before any equipment is used
- Repair quote once the leak is found, with most repairs completed on the spot
- Same rates 7 days a week, including weekends and public holidays
- Payment on completion by EFTPOS, card or bank transfer
If you decide not to proceed after the inspection, the only cost is the $125 site visit.
The cost of waiting
A small leak rarely stays small. A hidden leak can add hundreds of dollars to a water bill before anyone notices, and water sitting in walls or under floors leads to rot, mould and cracked slabs. Finding it early is almost always the cheaper option. If you’ve had a large bill from a concealed leak, ask us for a written report of what we found and fixed, as it can support a request to Water Corporation for a bill adjustment.
Signs you have a hidden water leak
- A sudden jump in your Water Corporation bill
- Damp patches, swelling skirting or bubbling paint
- Soft ground, sinking paving or a permanently green patch of lawn
- Water pooling after showers even after resealing
- Pipes or the hot water system running when nothing is on
- Water meter turning with every tap closed
Have you seen this VLOG by one of our top dogs? This simply DIY test can help you check whether you have a water leak.
Why leaks are common in Perth homes
Perth homes have a few things working against their plumbing. Our sandy soil expands and shrinks as it wets and dries through the seasons, and that constant movement puts stress on buried pipes and joints.
Most Perth houses are built slab on ground, so pipes run under or through the concrete. When one leaks, the water often disappears into the sand below with no visible sign apart from a rising bill.
Many suburbs built between the 1970s and 1990s still have their original copper plumbing, which is now reaching the end of its working life. High mains pressure in some areas adds extra strain on older pipes and fittings.
Then there’s reticulation. Almost every Perth garden has kilometres of retic line buried under lawn and garden beds, and a small crack can leak for months before anyone notices.
Will my insurance cover a water leak?
Whether insurance covers a water leak usually comes down to one question: was the damage sudden or gradual?
Most home insurance policies in Australia cover damage from a sudden and unexpected escape of water, such as a burst pipe flooding a room. Damage that builds up slowly over time, like a shower that’s been seeping into the wall for months, is often treated as wear and tear or a maintenance issue and may be excluded. Many policies also cover the resulting damage but not the cost of repairing the leaking pipe itself.
This is where a leak detection report helps. It records where the leak was, what caused it, how it was found and what was repaired, along with photos and thermal images where relevant. That gives your insurer clear evidence to assess the claim rather than relying on guesswork.
Every policy is different, so check your Product Disclosure Statement or speak to your insurer before lodging a claim.
Frequently asked questions
Leak detection Perth FAQs
Most of the time, yes. Our vans carry detection gear and our plumbers are licensed to do the repair, so there is no handover to another trade.
The site visit and inspection is $125, waived if you go ahead. Detection is quoted upfront on the day before any equipment comes out.
All of them, depending on the job. The plumber chooses the method based on the symptoms and the property type.
Most residential leaks are located within one to two hours. Large properties, multiple leaks or underground lines can take longer, and we will tell you if that is the case.
Yes. Acoustic gear and pressure testing let us pinpoint slab leaks without breaking up the floor to search.
No. We quote first, you approve, then we proceed. Payment is on completion by EFTPOS, card or transfer.
Yes. If the same section keeps failing we will advise whether a reroute or pipe replacement makes more sense than another patch.
No. Same rates 7 days a week, including public holidays.
Stop the drip. Fix the rip.
Book online in under a minute or call us now. We’re on the road 7 days a week.
Water Leak Detection, Perth
The Perth leak-sniffing specialists with all the gear and every idea.
Think you’ve got a leak but not sure where it’s coming from? Whether it’s a mysterious high water bill, a damp patch on the wall, or water pooling outside — our licensed plumbers are trained in non-invasive leak detection to pinpoint the problem fast and professionally.
At Plumbdog, we operate 7 days a week with no weekend surcharge. And unlike others, we’re not just quoting officers or general plumbers guessing where to start. We arrive with advanced detection gear and the know-how to both locate and repair most leaks on the spot.
Our Water Leak Detection Services
Not sure what service you need? Don’t be in the doghouse! Give our leak detection specialists a bark. We’re pawsitively happy to help.
Don’t let water leaks hound your home. We detect behind walls, under floors and out in the yard — without ripping everything up.
Lost revenue, unhappy tenants, or water efficiency issues? We detect leaks in retail, industrial and strata properties — and fix them fast.
Still leaking after re-sealing? That’s not silicone — it’s plumbing. We find hidden leaks in drains, walls and under tiles.
Water level dropping or pump won’t hold pressure? We test skimmers, returns and pipework before your pool causes property damage.
Suspect the garden’s soaking more than it should? We trace and test irrigation lines — a must in Perth’s sandy soil.
If everything is off but your meter keeps turning, we’ll isolate zones and test for hidden losses.
Driveway sagging? Damp lawn? We find and mark buried leaks so they can be properly repaired.
Water gushing? Ceiling dripping? Call us 7 days a week for fast detection and priority repairs.
When you don’t know where the leak is — but the bill tells you it’s there — we’ll sniff it out and stop the waste.
Brown stains, sagging gyprock or bubbling paint? We use thermal and moisture detection to sniff out leaks in ceilings — often from pipes or showers above.
Is water dripping after storms or pooling near eaves? We investigate water ingress from roofs, flashings, and plumbing penetrations — and advise next steps.
Think we just guess? Think again. From thermal imaging to acoustic gear, tracer gas to solenoid locators — our vans come fully kitted to sniff out leaks fast.
How Do I Know I Have a Leak?
- Sudden spike in your water bill
- Damp patches, swelling or bubbling paint
- Soft ground or sinking areas around the property
- Water pooling after showers, even after resealing
- Noisy pipework or hot water system running when not in use
- Water meter spinning when no taps are on
Not sure? Give us a whistle — we’re trained to sniff it out quickly.
What Happens On Site
- We arrive on time with all equipment
- We ask questions, walk through the symptoms, and inspect the site
- We provide an upfront cost estimate to begin detection
- If approved, we use the appropriate tools to locate the leak
- Once found, we’ll quote to repair — and often fix it on the spot
- If you choose not to proceed, a $125 site visit fee applies
- Payment is taken on completion via EFTPOS, card or transfer
Why Choose Plumbdog?
Detect & Repair in One Visit
Many plumbers say they do leak detection but only diagnose — or worse, just guess. We come prepared with advanced gear AND the plumbing skills to fix it too.
All the Gear & Every Idea
Thermal imaging, acoustic equipment, tracer gas, pressure tests — and licensed plumbers who know how to use them properly.
7 Days a Week – No Weekend Surcharge
We work every day, including public holidays. Fast response, no extra cost.
No Callout Fee When You Proceed
We provide an upfront cost estimate before using our equipment. If you go ahead, the $125 site visit fee is waived.
Fewer Callouts, Faster Results
Forget calling one plumber, then a separate leak detector, then another plumber to fix it. One call to Plumbdog and we do it all — often in a single visit.
Permanent Fixes, Not Just Patches
Had multiple leaks before? We’ll advise on long-term solutions to stop future issues for good.
Acoustic Leak Detection
Thermal Imaging
Pressure Testing
Moisture Meter
Acoustic Leak Detection
Thermal Imaging
Pressure Testing
Moisture Meter
What our customers say
Perth-Wide Coverage
We service homes and businesses from Alkimos to Mandurah, Fremantle to Midland — and everywhere in between.
Frequently Asked Questions – Leak Detection Perth
Yes — most of the time. Our vans are equipped for both, and we’re fully licensed to handle the full process.
We use the right gear for the job. Our plumbers are trained to assess and apply the most efficient method based on symptoms and property type.
Many “leak detection” services are just general plumbers with no tools — or leak detectors who don’t fix anything. We do both.
Yes. We’ll let you know if we think a longer-term pipe replacement or rerouting may be better than another short-term repair.
Nope. We quote first. If you approve, we proceed. If not, the only fee is $125 for the visit and inspection.