High Water Bill Investigation

Find the Cause Before the Next Bill Arrives

An unexpectedly high water bill can be the first warning of a concealed leak. Even when no water is visible, a damaged underground pipe, running toilet or faulty automatic top-up system may continue using water every hour of the day.

Jetset Plumbing helps homeowners, landlords, property managers and businesses investigate unexplained water use. Our licensed plumbers can test the private plumbing system, locate hidden leaks and repair the fault responsible for excess consumption.

We service Brisbane, Gold Coast, Logan, Ipswich, Tweed Heads and Sydney.

If water is escaping rapidly or causing damage, turn off the property's water supply when safe to do so and arrange urgent plumbing assistance.

How to Check for a Water Leak at the Meter

A simple no-use test can show whether water is continuing to pass through the meter when everything should be off:

1. Turn off every internal and external tap.
2. Switch off irrigation and pause dishwashers, washing machines, evaporative cooling, pool filling and other automatic water users.
3. Make sure nobody uses water, flushes a toilet or turns on an appliance during the test.
4. Record all numbers and dials shown on the water meter. Leave the meter valve turned on.
5. Wait at least one hour without using water, then record the meter again.
6. If the reading has increased or the leak indicator moves, a leak or unaccounted water use is likely.

If the meter does not move, compare the current bill's usage period and readings with earlier bills. Seasonal use, extra occupants, irrigation, pool filling or an estimated previous reading may explain the change. Continue monitoring the meter if the increase remains unexplained.

Official meter-test instructions are also available from Urban Utilities, Sydney Water and Tweed Shire Council.

Common Plumbing Causes of a High Water Bill

Concealed or Underground Pipe Leaks

A leaking water service or pipe below concrete, soil or landscaping may leave few obvious signs. Watch for unexplained meter movement, damp areas, warm patches, mould, reduced pressure, the sound of running water or unusually green sections of lawn. Professional water leak detection can help locate the source without unnecessary excavation.

Running or Leaking Toilets

A cistern can leak silently into the toilet bowl. Listen for refilling between uses and look for rippling water in the bowl. Place a little food colouring in the cistern without flushing; colour appearing in the bowl can indicate a leak. Our toilet plumbers can diagnose worn inlet valves, outlet washers and other cistern faults.

Dripping Taps and Shower Fixtures

A persistent drip adds to metered consumption and may worsen over time. Check kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and outdoor taps, including fixtures that are rarely used. Jetset Plumbing provides leaking tap repairs and shower leak repairs.

Hot Water System Discharge or Leaks

Inspect around the hot water unit for pooling, corrosion or continuous discharge when the system has not recently heated water. A failed component or leaking cylinder can increase both water and energy costs. Do not interfere with safety valves; arrange a qualified hot water plumber to assess abnormal discharge.

Irrigation, Pools and Automatic Top-Up Systems

Broken irrigation pipes, stuck solenoid valves, pool leaks and continuously operating auto-fill devices can consume large volumes without affecting indoor fixtures. Isolate automatic systems during the meter test and inspect damp areas around equipment and pipe routes.

Appliance Hoses and Rainwater Systems

Check washing machines, dishwashers, plumbed fridges and rainwater tank mains top-up systems. Split hoses, loose connections and faulty float valves may leak behind cabinetry or operate unnoticed.

What to Check on an Unusually High Water Bill

A bill can rise because of additional water use, a plumbing leak, a catch-up reading or a change in provider charges. Before assuming the meter is faulty, compare:

• Total usage: Compare kilolitres used, not just the dollar total.
• Daily average: Account for billing periods with different numbers of days.
• Meter readings: Check whether the bill shows actual or estimated readings and compare the final reading with the physical meter.
• Previous periods: Compare with the same season and consider additional occupants, guests, garden watering or pool use.
• Fixed and variable charges: Separate service, wastewater and other fixed charges from metered water usage.
• Recent property changes: Note new irrigation, appliances, landscaping, pool filling or renovations.

Water prices and bill formats vary between councils and providers and change over time. The provider named on your bill is the correct source for current rates, meter-reading questions and account disputes.

Plumbing Leak or Water Meter Problem?

A plumber investigates the pipework and fixtures on the property side of the connection. The water provider owns and formally tests its meter. Because plumbing leaks are more common than meter faults, providers generally recommend completing a no-use test and ruling out private leaks before requesting a meter accuracy test.

If the meter continues moving with all water use stopped, call a licensed plumber. If the meter remains still and the billed usage cannot be reconciled with the physical reading or property use, contact the supplier shown on the bill.

How Jetset Plumbing Investigates High Water Usage

1. Review the symptoms. Tell us when usage increased, whether the meter moves and what signs you have noticed.
2. Inspect likely sources. We check toilets, taps, hot water equipment, exposed pipes and automatic water systems where accessible.
3. Test and isolate. The plumber assesses meter movement and isolates sections or fixtures to narrow down the source.
4. Locate concealed leaks. Appropriate non-invasive leak detection equipment may be used when the fault cannot be seen.
5. Explain the repair. You receive clear findings and upfront options for authorised work.
6. Repair and verify. After the repair, we recheck the system and provide an invoice or relevant documentation for your records.

Concealed Leak Rebates and Bill Adjustments

Some councils and water providers may reduce eligible usage charges after an undetectable leak is found and repaired. Eligibility is not automatic. Each provider sets its own definition, application deadline, adjustment method and evidence requirements.

Contact your provider as soon as possible, ask whether a concealed-leak policy applies and keep the plumber's invoice and any supporting report. Do not delay an urgent repair while waiting for an adjustment decision.

High Water Bill Plumbing Service Areas

• High water bill plumber Brisbane
• High water bill plumber Gold Coast
• High water bill plumber Logan
• High water bill plumber Ipswich
• High water bill plumber Tweed Heads
• High water bill plumber Sydney

How to Reduce Future Water Bills

• Read the meter regularly and track average daily consumption.
• Repair dripping taps, running toilets and damaged hoses promptly.
• Check irrigation, pool auto-fill and rainwater top-up systems for silent faults.
• Choose correctly installed WELS-rated taps, showers, toilets and appliances.
• Use full dishwasher and washing-machine loads where suitable.
• Investigate unexplained pressure drops, damp areas or continuous water sounds early.

Landlords and property managers may also benefit from a documented water efficiency inspection for rental properties.

High Water Bill FAQs

Book a High Water Bill Investigation

Do not wait for another billing cycle if your meter indicates continuous use or you suspect a hidden leak. Jetset Plumbing can inspect the property, locate plumbing faults and provide clear repair options.

Call now: 1300 453 873

Or book a plumber online.

Jetset Plumbing investigates and repairs private plumbing faults. Questions about account calculations, utility-owned meters, provider infrastructure or bill adjustments must be directed to the water provider named on the bill.