Amptex Projects
How to tell if you have a hidden water leak: the meter test
1 November 2026 · Amptex Projects
A water account that suddenly climbs doesn't always mean a meter error. Before you dispute it, spend a few minutes on this test.
The meter test
- Turn off every tap, and make sure nothing is using water: washing machine, dishwasher, irrigation, pool filler.
- Find your water meter and note the reading, or take a photo of it.
- Wait at least 30 minutes without using any water. Longer is better.
- Read the meter again.
If the reading has moved, water is going somewhere.
Rule out the toilet
A running cistern is the most common hidden loss. Listen for it refilling, or look for a thin trickle at the back of the pan. Toilet repairs may solve it without any leak detection.
Other signs of a hidden leak
- Damp patches, mould or lifting tiles.
- Wet paving or a patch of lawn that never dries.
- A sound of running water when nothing is on.
What we do next
We start with the meter and your water accounts, then shut off parts of the system one at a time to show which section is leaking. Where the pipe is under tile, concrete or paving, tracer gas leak detection can pinpoint the spot, so less of the floor is lifted. We then repair the pipe and test the line.
A recent water bill and your meter readings save time, so have them ready. See our water leak detection service or call 011 791 6121. If water is running freely, treat it as a burst pipe.
Let's get it sorted
Something sparking or leaking right now?
Call the emergency line and speak to a person. For planned work, send the form and our office will come back to you with next steps.
Emergency line · 24/7 011 791 6121- Office hours Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00 · emergencies 24/7
- No call-out fee: you pay first-hour labour. After-hours and weekend surcharges apply.
- 6-month workmanship guarantee on our work