TL;DR: To find a water leak in your Christchurch home, check for visible signs like drips and damp areas, monitor your water meter for unexpected usage, and look for changes such as reduced pressure or unexplained moisture. Hidden leaks may need specialist detection.

Start with the obvious signs.

Some leaks are easy to spot once you know where to look.

Check areas such as:

• Under sinks and around taps
• Behind appliances like washing machines and dishwashers
• Around toilets and hot water systems

Look for dripping water, damp surfaces, or pooling.

Watch for less obvious clues

Not all leaks are visible straight away.

Signs of a hidden leak can include:

• Damp patches on walls, ceilings, or floors
• Water stains or discolouration
• A musty smell in certain areas

These can indicate water escaping behind surfaces.

Check your water meter.

Your water meter can help confirm whether there is a leak.

Try this simple check:

• Turn off all taps and water-using appliances
• Note the meter reading
• Wait for a period of time without using water
• Check the meter again

If the reading has changed, water is likely flowing somewhere it should not be.

Notice changes in water pressure

A drop in water pressure can sometimes indicate a leak in the system.

This is more noticeable if the change happens suddenly or affects multiple outlets.

Check outdoor areas

Leaks are not always inside the home.

Look for:

• Wet patches in the garden when it has not rained
• Unusual pooling near external pipes or taps

These may point to an underground or external leak.

Hidden leaks may need specialised detection

If you cannot find the source but suspect a leak, it may be inside walls, under floors, or underground.

These situations often require specific tools and techniques to locate accurately.