Accurate water leak detection and repair across Auckland
At Leak Solutions, we specialise in locating hidden and underground water leaks, then helping you resolve the problem. Using specialist leak detection equipment and practical plumbing experience, we can narrow down the source of a leak without unnecessary digging or damage to your property.Whether you have an unexpectedly high water bill, water moving through the meter when nothing is running, damp ground or a leak hidden beneath concrete or landscaping, we use methods including acoustic leak detection and pipe tracing to determine where the water is escaping.
Once the leak has been located, we can assess the problem and recommend the appropriate repair. Where the work is within our scope, we can take care of the repair as well, saving you from having to coordinate separate leak detection and plumbing contractors.
Based in Glendowie, we provide water leak detection across Auckland, from Orewa to Manukau.
Contact Leak Solutions to arrange a leak detection inspection.
Leak Solutions is based in Glendowie and provides water leak detection throughout Auckland and surrounding East Auckland areas.
Servicing:
Albany | Botany | Browns Bay | Bucklands Beach | Central Auckland | Clover Park | Cockle Bay | Eastern Beach | Flat Bush | Glenfield | Greenhithe | Grey Lynn | Howick | Kohimarama | Manukau | Milford | Millwater | Mission Bay | Onehunga | Orewa | Pakuranga | Penrose | Remuera | Silverdale | St Heliers | Takapuna | Torbay | Westmere | Western Springs
Page: Water Leak Detection Auckland | Underground Leak Detection - Last updated: 30th September, 2026
Advanced acoustic leak detection for precise results
Acoustic leak detection works by listening for the sound created when pressurised water escapes from a pipe. Using sensitive ground microphones and specialist listening equipment, we can follow the sound through the property and narrow down the area where the leak is occurring.
This method is particularly useful for underground water pipes beneath lawns, driveways, paving and other areas where the pipe itself cannot be seen.
The benefits of acoustic leak detection include:
- Non invasive investigation, helping avoid unnecessary digging while the leak is being located
- Targeted detection, narrowing down the likely leak location before repair work begins
- Faster diagnosis, helping determine where further investigation or excavation should be concentrated
- Reduced repair disruption, because the aim is to expose only the area that needs attention
The clarity of an acoustic signal can vary depending on the size of the leak, pipe material, water pressure, ground conditions, pipe depth and surrounding noise. Where acoustic testing alone does not give us enough information, we can combine it with other methods to continue narrowing down the source.
Wire trace and locator for complex plumbing systems
Before we can pinpoint a leak, we sometimes need to understand where the water pipe actually runs.
Pipe tracing and locator equipment can help us identify the route of concealed or underground pipework so we know where to concentrate the leak detection investigation. This can be particularly useful on properties where plans are unavailable, pipes take an unexpected route or the leak is beneath concrete, landscaping or other finished surfaces.
We can combine pipe locating with acoustic leak detection to progressively narrow down the problem and determine the most appropriate area for further investigation.
If you need utilities located before digging or construction work rather than specifically investigating a water leak, see our underground service detection services.
What happens during a water leak detection inspection?
Every property is different, but a water leak investigation will generally involve a process of narrowing down where water is being lost.
We may:
- Discuss what you have noticed, such as increased water use, damp areas or changes in water pressure.
- Check the water meter and available plumbing information to confirm that there appears to be ongoing water loss.
- Identify the likely route of the water pipe using pipe tracing or locator equipment where required.
- Use acoustic equipment to listen for the sound of escaping water and narrow down the likely leak position.
- Mark the area requiring further investigation and explain what we have found.
- Discuss the most appropriate repair or next step.
Some leaks are straightforward to identify, while others require a process of elimination. Pipe material, depth, water pressure, the size of the leak and surrounding noise can all affect how clearly a leak can be detected.
Our aim is to gather enough information to target the repair area rather than excavating large sections of your property unnecessarily.
From water leak detection through to repair
Finding the leak is only the first part of solving the problem. Once we have identified the likely source, we will explain what we have found and the repair options available.
Where the leak can be repaired by our team, we can continue through to excavation and repair rather than leaving you to arrange another contractor. This is particularly useful for underground pipe leaks where the area first needs to be accurately located before it is opened up.
If the condition of the pipe means replacing a longer section is more practical than carrying out a local repair, we can discuss the options with you. Where a new underground water line is required, directional drilling may allow the replacement pipe to be installed with much less excavation than traditional trenching.
Our focus is on resolving the underlying problem and recommending the option that makes sense for the property.
We know a concealed water leak can be frustrating, particularly when you cannot see where the water is escaping.
We will explain what we are testing, what we have found and what we recommend doing next. If further investigation or repair work is required, we will discuss this with you before proceeding.
Leak Solutions also provides related services including underground service detection, directional drilling and drain unblocking, allowing us to assist with a wide range of underground plumbing and drainage problems.
Get in touch with Leak Solutions if you suspect there may be a hidden water leak at your property.
Common signs of a hidden water leak
A concealed water leak is not always obvious. In many cases there may be no visible pool of water at all.
Signs that may indicate a hidden or underground water leak include:
- An unexplained increase in your water bill
- Your water meter continuing to move when no water is being used
- Damp, soft or unusually green areas of lawn
- Water appearing through paving, concrete or retaining areas
- Reduced or fluctuating water pressure
- The sound of running water when taps and appliances are off
- Persistent dampness around walls, flooring or exterior areas
Water leaking underground can continue unnoticed for a long time. Identifying it early can reduce unnecessary water loss and help limit damage to landscaping, driveways, building materials and surrounding ground.
If you are unsure whether water is being lost, the meter test below is a useful first check.
How to check your water meter for a possible leak
You can carry out a simple water meter test before arranging professional leak detection. Choose a 30 minute period when nobody will need to use water.
- Locate your water meter, usually inside a covered box near the front boundary of the property.
- Turn off taps and make sure toilets, washing machines, dishwashers, irrigation systems and other water using appliances are not operating.
- Record the numbers displayed on the meter.
- Wait 30 minutes without using any water.
- Check the meter again.
If the reading has not changed, there may not be an active leak at that time. If the reading has increased, water is still flowing somewhere on the property.
You can then isolate toilets and other water using fixtures where possible and repeat the test. If the meter continues moving after these have been ruled out, there may be a concealed or underground water pipe leak.
Contact Leak Solutions and we can investigate where the water is being lost.
Specialist experience for difficult to find water leaks
Hidden water leaks are not always straightforward. Pipes may run somewhere different from where expected, surfaces can make acoustic testing more difficult, and sometimes more than one investigation method is needed before the source can be narrowed down.
Leak Solutions combines practical plumbing and drainage experience with specialist acoustic and pipe locating equipment to work through these problems methodically.
Many of the leaks we investigate are referred to us after the source has been difficult to identify. Our role is to gather the available evidence, narrow down the likely location and give you a clear recommendation about what should happen next.
You can learn more about our experience and approach on the About Leak Solutions page.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common signs include an unexpectedly high water bill, damp or soggy ground, reduced water pressure, the sound of running water when no fixtures are operating, or a water meter that continues moving when all water use has been stopped.
If a meter test indicates ongoing water use but you cannot find an obvious source, professional leak detection can help locate a concealed or underground leak.
In many cases, we can narrow down the likely position of an underground leak before excavation using acoustic leak detection and pipe locating equipment. This helps reduce unnecessary digging.
Some excavation may ultimately be required to expose and repair the pipe, but the aim of leak detection is to make that work as targeted as possible.
Leak size, pipe material and depth, water pressure, ground conditions and surrounding noise can all affect how clearly a leak can be detected.
Some leaks require a process of elimination or more than one detection method. We will explain what we are finding as the investigation progresses and recommend the next step if the source cannot immediately be confirmed.
Yes. Unlike a detection only service, Leak Solutions can assess the repair once the leak has been located and, where it falls within our scope, carry out the work required to fix it.
For some underground pipe replacements, directional drilling may also provide an option for installing a new line with less excavation.
Leak Solutions' normal hours are Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, with weekend appointments available by arrangement and additional charges applying. Please contact us to discuss an urgent leak outside these hours.
Once the repair is complete, check your water meter periodically and keep an eye on your usual water consumption. If your usage unexpectedly increases again, carrying out another meter test can help identify whether water is being lost.
Where we identify an issue with the condition or layout of the existing pipework, we will explain any further work we believe should be considered.