Leaks in Perth, by the numbers and the rules
Three homes in ten
That's Water Corporation's estimate of how many Perth homes have a leak each year. Its smart meters, at more than 14,500 Perth properties, show owners possible leaks, but they aren't available outside that program.
Water Corporation's own advice
Not all plumbers are trained in leak detection or have the gear, it says, so it recommends a licensed plumber who specialises in detecting hidden leaks.
Reticulation is a separate trade
A leak in the garden irrigation goes to a Waterwise Garden Irrigator, not your regular plumber, according to Water Corporation.
Renting? Leaks are the owner's
Tenants generally pay for water they use, but Water Corporation says the cost of leaks and repairs lies with the property owner unless the rental agreement says otherwise.
Water Corporation's meter test
Turn everything off
Every tap and every appliance that uses water, including the irrigation, the evaporative air conditioner and any pool top-up.
Find the meter
It's usually in the front garden, close to the verge.
Note the 3 red numbers
Write them down or take a photo.
Wait 15 minutes, then look again
If the numbers have moved with nothing running, water is escaping somewhere.
Check the usual suspects
Water Corporation's hotspots are toilet cisterns, irrigation solenoid valves, dripping indoor and outdoor taps, evaporative air conditioners and hot water relief valves. Nothing there? Look for lawn greener than the rest, spongy patches, or damp walls.
The leak allowance, in plain words
Water Corporation may credit up to 50% of the estimated water lost through a hidden leak: a cracked pipe underground, in a wall or under paving. It doesn't pay for the repair, and each application is judged on its own.
To be considered, the leak has to be repaired by a licensed plumber (or a Waterwise Garden Irrigator, for irrigation) within 60 days of finding it or of getting a leak or high use notice with your bill. You then apply within 6 months of the repair, with the plumber's invoice, and the recent bill must show water use over 150 kL or a charge above Water Corporation's threshold. It confirms the outcome within 20 business days.
Leaks you can see don't qualify: taps, cisterns, shower heads, washing machines, dishwashers, valves, pools and spas.
Who fixes which leak
| Who fixes it | Allowance possible? | |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber's elbow to the house (single home) | You, through a licensed plumber | Yes, if the leak was hidden |
| Plumber's elbow to the roadside | Water Corporation | Not your repair |
| Irrigation pipes and valves | A Waterwise Garden Irrigator | Yes, if the leak was hidden |
| Taps, cisterns, appliances, pools | You: tap and cistern washers are on WA's homeowner list, the rest needs a licensed plumber | No |
What we would do
Do the meter test tonight, with the irrigation and the evaporative air conditioner off. If the numbers move, write down the readings and the date, because the 60 day clock for the allowance starts when you find the leak. Book a plumber who specialises in hidden leaks rather than one who will start lifting pavers on a guess, and keep the invoice. Water Corporation reads meters every 2 months, so checking yours yourself is the quickest way to know.