We’ve all been there. You spot a tiny puddle under the sink or hear a faint drip behind the wall and think, “Ah, I’ll sort that out later.” But here’s the thing—those innocent little leaks can turn into major problems faster than you’d expect. And the worst part? They’re probably costing you a lot more than you realise.
So, let’s chat about what’s really going on behind the scenes (or rather, behind the walls) and why dealing with leaks sooner rather than later can save you a lot of cash—and headaches.
Small leaks, big bills
If you’ve noticed your water bill creeping up without any good reason, you might have a sneaky leak somewhere. A single dripping tap can waste around 9,000 litres of water a year—that’s like leaving a garden hose running for 24 hours straight. Now imagine what happens if the leak’s hidden somewhere you can’t see.
What To look for?
- Water stains on walls or ceilings
- Unexplained puddles, even if they seem to dry up quickly
- The sound of water running when everything’s turned off
Quick tip: Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water’s being used. If the numbers change, you’ve got a leak.
The damage you don’t see but willdefinitely pay for
It’s not just about the water bill—leaks can cause some serious structural damage if they’re left alone. We’re talking about warped floors, crumbling walls, and even cracked foundations in extreme cases. Plus, damp areas are basically an open invitation for mould and mildew, which aren’t just unpleasant but can also mess with your health.
Common hiding spots for leaks:
- Behind appliances like dishwashers and washing machines
- Inside walls, especially around bathrooms and kitchens
- Under floors, making them feel spongy or warm
Why it matters: The average water damage insurance claim is around $15,000 in Australia. Fixing a small leak now could save you from a way bigger bill down the road.
Mould: The uninvited houseguest
If you’ve ever had a run-in with mould, you know it’s not just a bathroom problem. Mould loves damp, hidden spots—like inside walls or under sinks. Beyond the musty smell and nasty stains, mould spores can cause all sorts of respiratory issues, especially if you’ve got kids, pets, or anyone with allergies.
How to spot it:
- A persistent musty smell that no amount of air freshener can cover
- Black or green patches on walls, especially in corners or behind furniture
- Allergy-like symptoms that get worse when you’re at home
Prevention tips:
- Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to reduce moisture.
- Fix small leaks as soon as you find them—mould can start growing in just 24 to 48 hours.
- Check under sinks and around pipes for any damp spots or discolouration.
Your hot water system’s worst nightmare
Here’s a fun fact: Even a tiny leak can mess with your hot water system, making it work overtime to keep up with the demand. Leaks in hot water lines mean your system has to reheat water constantly, which isn’t doing your energy bills any favours. Plus, if the leak’s near the system itself, it could speed up rust and corrosion.
Signs your hot water system might be leaking:
- A puddle around the base (obviously not a good sign)
- Hot water running out faster than usual
- A sudden spike in your energy bills
What to do: Check the pressure relief valve and any connections for signs of leaks. Even a small drip can make your system less efficient and shorten its lifespan.
The ripple effect on your home’s value
If you’re thinking about selling your house someday, plumbing problems are a huge red flag for buyers. Building inspectors are trained to spot even minor leaks, and if they find water damage, you can bet they’ll knock down your asking price—or worse, scare off buyers altogether.
How to avoid a lowball offer:
- Fix leaks as soon as they pop up (or better yet, prevent them).
- Keep an eye on water pressure—high pressure can wear out pipes faster.
- Consider a professional plumbing inspection every couple of years just to catch things early.
A little maintenance now can mean a smoother (and more profitable) sale later.
Catching leaks early isn’t just about saving water—it’s about protecting your home, your wallet, and your peace of mind. Fixing a small drip is way cheaper than dealing with water damage, mould removal, or sky-high bills down the track.Even if a leak seems minor, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. A quick fix now can save you thousands of dollars in repairs later—and a lot of stress.
Need Help?
If you’ve spotted something suspicious—or just want to be sure everything’s in good shape—give Flowtec a call at 0488 097 697 or book your service online. A quick check-up now can save you from a lot of hassle (and costs) laterGot questions or need some advice? Reach out—we’re here to help keep your home leak-free.
FAq's
What are the three most common types of plumbing in a home?
- Water Supply Lines:
Carry drinking water from the mains to faucets, showers, toilets, and other points of use. - Drain, Waste, and Vent (DWV) System:
Removes wastewater and gases from the sewer system, properly venting them to the outdoors. - Gas Lines:
Distribute natural gas or propane to appliances such as stoves, water heaters, and space heaters.
What are the most common types of pipes and fittings in home plumbing?
1- Pipes:
- Copper: Durable and corrosion-resistant. It is ideal for hot and cold water.
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): It is inexpensive and common in cold water and drainage systems.
- PEX (Cross-linked polyethylene): It is a flexible and easy-to-install material. It is suitable for hot and cold water.
- Galvanized steel: It was once commonly used, but is now being replaced due to its tendency to corrode.
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): This black plastic pipe is used in drains and ventilation.
- CPVC (Chlorinated PVC): It is very similar to PVC, but it resists high temperatures. It is very useful for hot water.
- Stainless steel: This type of pipe is highly resistant to corrosion and can be used in a variety of ways in the home.
- Black pipe: This is used for gas lines.
2- Fittings:
- Elbows: These change the direction of water flow.
- Couplings: Used to join two straight sections of pipe.
- Tees: Create a branch or branch in the line.
- Reducers: Used to connect pipes of different sizes.
- Unions: These facilitate easy disassembly.
- Bushings: Help reduce a larger pipe to a smaller one.
- Adapters: These allow connecting pipes of different materials.
- Caps: Allow the end of a pipe to be sealed.
- Plugs: Allows the sealing of a threaded opening.
- Flanges: Help connect pipes to equipment or systems.
