Checking your water use

Check all plumbing fixtures for any drips or leaks. If you require assistance to check your home for water leaks, please contact your nearest Department of Housing office for advice or assistance.

Bathroom —Check for any dripping taps, running cisterns or leaking pipes

• hand basin taps
• bath taps
• shower
• toilet

Laundry —Check for any dripping taps, leaking pipes or loose hose connections

• washing machine taps
• laundry taps

Kitchen —Check for any dripping taps or leaking pipes

• kitchen sink
• hose connections of dishwasher if applicable

Checking outside the home

• dripping taps or leaking pipes
• hot water system— note: hot water overflow pipes may drip from time to time due to steam and condensation, particularly in colder weather.

Report any dripping taps, running cisterns, leaking pipes or faulty water connections or your Department of Housing maintenance telephone number.

If your property has a water meter you can check for any leaking pipes

Important safety notes:

• Meter covers and boxes can be a haven for spiders and snakes.
• Take care and wear gloves to help prevent injuries when checking your water meter.
• Do not allow children to touch water meter covers or boxes without adequate supervision or instruction.

Before doing this test, make sure you have checked all of the water fixtures in your home for leaks or faulty water connections.

if you don't find any evidence of leaking or damaged plumbing, check for concealed leaks by doing this test:

• Take a water meter reading by writing down both black and red digits from left to right (black digits are kilolitres used and red digits are parts of kilolitres of water passing through the meter).
• Don't use any water on the premises (including flushing the toilet) for at least one hour, and then take another reading.
• If the meter reading has changed, there may be a leak in an underground pipe. Contact the Department of Housing maintenance phone number and report your findings as soon as possible.

Note: repairs needed due to a tenant's use of the property or a tenant's faulty appliance may be considered the tenant's responsibility; for example, a faulty washing machine or dishwasher connection.