What to do if you have a BURST WATER PIPE

Burst Water Pipe

A burst water pipe can cause significant water damage, increase your water bill and quickly become a plumbing emergency. Whether the leak is obvious or hidden underground, acting quickly can help minimise damage to your home.

This guide explains how to identify the signs of a burst water pipe, how to safely isolate your water supply, and when to call a licensed plumber.

Common Signs of a Burst Water Pipe-

Water leaking through the ceiling, wall or floor.
Wet carpet
Mould growth
Water under a vanity or kitchen sink
Green patch of grass in the yard
Water leaking through a crack in the concrete
Water bubbling from the ground
Water around your water meter
Constantly moving water meter
higher than normal water bill

First things to do

Turn off your water meter.

2. Check whether the water meter is still moving.

3. Limit water use.

4. Call a licensed plumber.

Not sure how to isolate your water supply in Logan City -

Watch our plumber show you how to isolate your water meter in Logan City or

How to Isolate your water meter in the Gold Coast City Council

Watch How to Check Your Water Meter
This short video shows a water meter indicating a concealed water leak.

Watch our Logan plumber demonstrate how to isolate your water meter.

This short video shows a water meter indicating a concealed water leak.

What If You Can't See the Leak?

Concealed Water Leaks and Electronic Leak Detection

Not all burst water pipes are easy to find. Some concealed water leaks occur beneath concrete slabs, driveways, gardens, inside walls or underground, making them difficult to locate using a standard visual inspection.

Our experienced plumbers will carry out a thorough assessment of your property and use proven diagnostic methods including water meter lock down tests and pressure testing to identify the source of the leak. In some cases, we may recommend engaging a specialised electronic leak detection company that uses advanced leak location equipment to accurately pinpoint concealed water leaks with minimal disruption to your property.

Once the leak has been located, our team will expose the damaged pipe and complete the necessary burst pipe repair or water leak repair as efficiently as possible. Using accurate leak detection helps minimise unnecessary excavation, reduces property damage and allows repairs to be completed faster.

Who Is Responsible for the Burst Pipe?

Burst Pipe location Who is Usually responsible

House side of water meter Property owner

Council side of water meter Usually your Local council*

Inside your home Property Owner

Shared water services (Units/Body Corporate) May be the body corporate or the property owner

How Is a Burst Water Pipe Repaired?

Every burst water pipe repair is different and will depend on the location, depth and extent of the damage. Once the leak has been accurately located, our licensed plumbers will isolate the water supply and expose the damaged section of pipe. In some cases, the pipe can be accessed by hand excavation, while deeper water mains or pipes beneath concrete may require specialised equipment or careful concrete cutting.

The damaged section of pipe is removed and replaced using quality plumbing materials that comply with current Australian Standards. Before the repair is completed, the new pipework is pressure tested to ensure the leak has been successfully repaired and the water supply is operating correctly.

Where excavation has been required, the pipe is carefully sand bedded to help protect it from future ground movement and damage before the area is backfilled and reinstated. Once the repair is complete, the water supply is restored and the pipework is flushed to remove any air or debris before normal use resumes.

Prompt burst water pipe repairs can help prevent further water damage, reduce unnecessary water loss and minimise the risk of costly repairs to your home or property.

Isolation valve to a unit or town house.

Can You Get a Water Bill Adjustment?

A concealed burst water pipe or hidden water leak can result in a significant increase to your water bill. If you've experienced an unexpected spike in water usage, you may be eligible to apply for water consumption relief through your local water provider or council.

Eligibility requirements vary, but many councils and water authorities may consider an adjustment where a concealed water leak has been repaired by a licensed plumber. Supporting documentation, such as a plumbing invoice, repair details and photographs, may be required as part of your application.

We recommend recording your water meter reading when you first discover the leak and again after the repair has been completed. This information may assist with your application.

If you're unsure whether you may qualify for a water bill adjustment, contact your local council or water provider to discuss their current policy and application process.

Need an Emergency Plumber?

If you've discovered a burst water pipe, leaking water service or concealed water leak, our experienced plumbers service Logan, the Gold Coast and surrounding suburbs. We can locate the leak, isolate the water supply and complete repairs promptly to minimise damage to your home.