Leak detection

Leak detection & repair services

We know leaks are a major inconvenience in your routine and life. Properties can suffer great damage as a result of water leaks, especially if they come from underground. This leakage can result in ground flooding, flooding in lower levels, damage to building structures, and weak foundations. Since some leaks aren’t visible, it can be tough to determine whether you even have a leak.

Types of water leaks

Water pipe leaks

These are one of the most common types of water leaks in Adelaide. This can be caused because of deterioration or corrosion.

Gas pipe leaks

Gas pipes don’t last forever. Eventually they will deteriorate and eventually warp, bend and break. If you are experiencing a gas pipe leak, you need to immediately turn off the gas line and leave your residence or place of business. Call a plumber right now.

Sewer line leaks

Outside: If you puddles of sewage & waste in your yard, then you have a broken sewage line. Eventually you will notice landscape growth in patches depending on the leakage source. You may also need sewage repair.
Inside: A sewage line leak in a house is usually accompanied by uncommon sounds, moist floors and “sewage” smells.

Hidden leaks

The worst kinds! Hidden leaks can be the most annoying, because it makes it very difficult to diagnose and assess the extent of damage. Read on to learn about how we can easily detect even the most secret leaks!

Slab leaks

Slab leaks are most often caused by unstable soil. This is because homes are typically built on concrete slabs and these can crack or break from the pressure of the ground shifting.

Common signs of water leaks

High water bills

If you notice your water bill is suddenly increasing at an abnormally high rate, it could indicate faulty readings or a leakage. This leakage would obviously cause excess water usage that you would be charged for.

Wet or damp spots

Pay close attention to your walls, floors & ceiling. These are the first places to show damp or wet spots from leakage.

Mould growth

Not only is mould growth a serious health hazard, but it can also spread. The wider it spreads, the more of the residential or commercial structure that might have to be replaced. Mould can grow in an environment that is created by either an unattended or unnoticed water leak. Mould can harm people who already have respiratory problems like asthma, but at its peak, prolonged exposure to mould can pose a major health risk to anyone.

              These microorganisms will contaminate drinking water if they get through a conduit. A leak detection service gives you time to make any essential repairs before mildew and mould spread and contaminate the water passing through the pipe. Even living in a house with mould can cause rashes, sinus infections, respiratory infections, nausea, lung irritation, and persistent exhaustion. Therefore, it’s safe to say that it is much worse when you are directly exposed to it or maybe even drinking it.

Low water pressure

If you notice a sudden drop in water pressure when using sinks, showers, toilets and other fixtures, this may indicate a leakage. Do not just ignore this sign, it can become more serious if left untreated.

Strange noises

A leakage will be followed by noises! Pay attention to abnormal sounds from your pipes.

Water meter movement

This method is the easiest way to tell if you have a leakage. If you have all the water off in your home or business, but you can still see the water meter moving then you probably have a leak.

What causes water leaks?

Corrosion or rust

If your pipes have been in use for a long time (50-100 years), then eventually they will begin to deteriorate. PVC pipes last around 45 years, although new technological breakthroughs have pushed their age into 70+ year territory. Cast iron pipes last between 80-100 years.

Poor installation or non-regular maintenance

Sometimes construction companies cut corners, or they do not take into consideration long-term factors when installing plumbing systems. This can cause later failure. However, early problems are easy to detect if you are doing regular maintenance and inspections.

Physical damage to pipes

This can include, but not limited to: tree roots, axes, drills and nearby construction.

Outside factors

Some leaks may be caused by outside factors, like soil movement or tree root intrusion.

Worn or old pipes

Eventually pipes get old, and last between 50-100 years on average. They will eventually need to be fully replaced.

Freezing temperatures

Low temperatures can cause serious damage to pipes, especially if the water is not constantly flowing.

Ground movement

Even slight ground movement or shifting can cause pipes to leak, and eventually break completely!

Clogs or blockages

Clogging or full-on blockages can cause extensive backflow or pressure on pipes.

Faucets or appliances

This is caused by your faucets or appliances not being properly sealed or connected to pipes.

How do I detect a leak?

Visual inspection

Most of the time you will be able to see the leak. The most common signs are walls, ceilings and the ground outside.

Pressure testing

Although very effective, it can be disruptive and may require the temporary shutdown of your plumbing system.

Electronic leak detection equipment

An electric leak detector is a device that can detect different frequencies of sound that will indicate a leak. A skilled plumber knows how to interpret these sounds to help figure out the location of the leak. This equipment is most commonly used to locate leakage in toilets, drains, steam pipes, irrigation, and other plumbing systems.

Infrared thermal cameras

An infrared camera is a device that can detect leaks in concealed pipes, such as those inside wall or under floor tiles. This camera is able to detect temperatures in structures like walls and then use thermographic images to show us exactly where the leak is.

Water meter testing

Some water meters have a built-in leak indicator that will signal if there is an issue. Depending on the meter itself, the indicator is usually a small triangle dial or a silver wheel that rotates when water is moving.

Gas tracing

Gas tracing is a convenient way to finding water leaks without being destructive. Gas is injected into the piping system and a device is used to locate where the gas escapes from.

Ultrasonic testing

Ultrasonic leak detection equipment uses high-frequency pitched sound produced by pressurized gas. This gas will escape and allow an easier way to detect the leak source. Sometimes compressed air can also be used. This method causes minimal disruption to regular plumbing systems.

Pipe material


Some leak detection methods may be more effective in certain types of pipes, such as plastic or copper.

What happens if I ignore my leak?

  • Property damage
  • Health and safety hazards
  • Increased water and utility bills
  • Mould growth

What should I do if I see a leak?

  • Step 1: Immediately turn off the water supply.
  • Step 2: Call our plumbers quickly. You do not want the problem to spread.
  • Step 3: Make temporary repairs, if possible. Our plumbers may ask you to check specific things while they are on the way to your house or business.

How do I avoid water leaks?

Make sure you are doing regular maintenance and inspections of your plumbing system. This can help save costs in the long-run, conserve water, and prevent property damage.

  • Replace old pipes if they are breaking down or showing loss in efficient function
  • Use corrosion resistant-pipes to save money in the long run
  • Avoid physical damage to the pipes. This is especially important in gardening or digging.
  • If you notice a leak, get it fixed immediately

Benefits of hiring a professional like Royal Flush

Royal Flush has years of experience and has done countless jobs. Our Adelaide plumber knows how to diagnose and assess common and uncommon leak problems. We use special equipment to help us help you as quickly as possible. Nobody wants to experience a water leak, and we can all agree the sooner it’s fixed, the better. Another benefit with Royal Flush is sometimes leaks can be very hard to find, and you need high-end equipment to save money during detection. And in the worse case-scenario, we can set-up a demolition job if the problem requires that solution (very rare).

Our water leak services

Areas we serve

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Quality services

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reviews

Matt is definitely one of the best plumbers in Adelaide. When you can solve a myriad of problems with one phone call, who wouldn’t you want it? Royal Flush Plumbing does all that and more. And that’s guaranteed.
Luis M., Alberton
Promina Inc
I’d just like to send a little thank you note. After months of a variety of plumbing problems, you saved my pipes. After the team you sent was done with their work, sure enough, my drains were draining perfectly. I’m very grateful and I’ll certainly be recommending your plumbing services to my friends!
Helen A., Highbury
Promina Inc
Here’s my honest feedback; Royal Flush Plumbing has saved me thousands of dollars in repair costs in my business. Water from the sink and toilets is no longer leaking and is holding up well.

Geoff S., Royal Park
Promina Inc
Very honest and professional service at a great price. Matt and the team were called to fix another plumbers dodgy (& expensive) job and completed on time with minimal fuss. Would definitely go directly to Matt first and would recommend others to do too – you wont be disappointed!
Aaron Mohtar
Promina Inc
Royal Flush is far more than a plumbing service and repair company, they are people that care.
They care about the well-being of my business and family home. The professionalism and high quality of work is the best I’ve seen...


Andrew Fantasia
Promina Inc
I have used Royal Flush plumbing on three separate occasions at various premises. They have been professional, responsive and thorough on each occasion and leave the jobsite tidy and clean. I would highly recommend Matt and his team. Well done guys.
David Neilson
Promina Inc
Matt and his boys did the fabulous job for my backyard plumbing. They are so professional and nice team. The job has been done promptly and efficiently. I love the way they worked and keep the site tidy and organized. I have recommended them to all of my friends. Good job, boys, the most trusty plumbing team forever!!!
Harvey Wang
Promina Inc
Friendly, honest and absolutely a pleasure to deal with. We had a leak in the ceiling from a bathroom upstairs and we received great advice and service. The team knew exactly what the issue was and was able to sort us out quickly. I highly recommend Royal Flush Plumbing and will use them again. Thanks!
Dillon Chang
Promina Inc
I had issues with my toilet drain blocking up at my place of business, Royal Flush came out and saved the day on a Sunday morning before an event I had planned Later on in the evening. I had a chat to Matt about renovating the toilet and adding on an additional toilet and a new shower/bathroom and to my amazement he made this happen and I couldn’t be happier. Royal Flush, nit only provided the plumbing removal and install of this little project….
Phuc Nguyen
Promina Inc

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Every single one of Royal Flush plumbing licensed plumbers are skilled with a variety of services, ranging from emergency hot water repairs and blocked drains, to leak detection and gas heater services. Additionally, they will arrive fully outfitted with the most cutting-edge equipment to guarantee that the service is done properly and swiftly.

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