Water Leak Detection Service

Signs you may need water leak detection

An unexplained increase in water use, a damp patch that keeps returning or wet ground during dry weather can point to a hidden pipe leak. These signs are worth investigating, but none proves the cause on its own: damp can also come from drainage problems, rainwater or waterproofing faults.

For a simple check, turn off taps and make sure toilets, washing machines, irrigation and other water-using equipment are not filling or running. Note your water meter reading, leave all water use off for a short period, then check again. Movement suggests water is still passing through the meter; it does not tell you where the leak is.

• Check for running toilets and visible drips before assuming the leak is underground.
• Compare actual meter readings, not just the amount charged on your municipal bill.
• Photograph damp areas and note whether they change after rain or when water is used.
• If water is escaping rapidly, close your property's stopcock if it is safe and accessible.

What affects the cost of leak detection?

The size of the area to be checked, access to pipework, the layout of the water supply and the time needed to isolate the affected section can all influence the work involved. Several suspected leaks or concealed pipe routes can make a search more involved than a single, accessible supply line.

Fox Plumbing agrees the price upfront, and the call-out fee includes the first hour of work. Most leaks are located within that hour, but this is not a fixed completion time for every property. Ask what the agreed scope covers and how any additional work will be priced before it starts. Pensioners receive a special rate.

• Access to the meter, stopcock and relevant plumbing connections.
• The extent and complexity of the pipe network.
• The number of areas showing possible leak symptoms.
• Whether the visit is for detection only or includes separately agreed work.

Booking a leak detection visit in Gauteng

Fox Plumbing is based in Benoni and serves the East Rand and greater Gauteng. When booking, send your suburb, a description of the problem and any useful photographs by email. Mention shared meters, locked service areas or access arrangements that could affect the visit.

On a sectional title property, establish with the body corporate or managing agent who should authorise work on shared pipework. If your concern began with a high bill, have recent readings available and check whether the account was based on an actual or estimated reading. This helps separate a billing query from evidence of ongoing water loss.

• Keep the meter and stopcock accessible where possible.
• Point out irrigation, pool top-up lines and water storage connections, if fitted.
• Arrange permission before any shared water supply is isolated.
• Bookings: Monday–Friday, 08:00–17:00; Saturday by appointment.

Why use Fox Plumbing?

Owner Evan Pretorius is a qualified, registered plumber with more than 20 years of experience and remains on the tools. Fox Plumbing is a member of IOPSA and PIRB, issues Certificates of Compliance and has every job insured.

The leak detection service uses harmless tracer gas and a detector rather than exploratory digging. Finding the leak without digging is distinct from repairing it: accessing a damaged pipe may still require opening the affected surface. Call 084 368 1879 to discuss the symptoms, arrange access and agree the price upfront.

• Owner on the tools.
• Non-invasive tracer gas leak detection.
• Call-out fee includes the first hour of work.
• Special rate for pensioners.

How we do the job

1. 1

   Discuss the symptoms

   Explain when the problem started, where damp or water is appearing and whether your meter readings have changed. Mention any recent plumbing work or changes in water use.

2. 2

   Agree the scope and price

   Confirm the detection work to be carried out and the upfront price. Make sure access to the property, meter and relevant plumbing points is arranged.

3. 3

   Assess and prepare the affected pipework

   The plumber assesses the supply layout and prepares the section to be tested. Any necessary interruption to the water supply should be discussed before testing.

4. 4

   Trace the leak without digging

   Harmless tracer gas is introduced into the pipework being tested. A detector is used to trace escaping gas and locate the leak without exploratory excavation.

5. 5

   Explain the finding and next action

   Discuss the location identified and what access may be needed for a repair. Confirm the scope and price of any further work rather than assuming repairs or surface reinstatement are included in detection.

Common questions