Leaking Pipes

Water and steam leaks can cause you to lose a lot of money, not to mention it wastes our precious water. Learn what causes leaks and how to detect them.

Loose fittings
Fittings, such as tap washers and joints, can come loose over time.

Corrosion
Unlined galvanised iron pipes generally corrode after five or six years of use.

Overflow
Float valves which are faulty or misaligned can cause overflow in water tanks and cooling towers. Water tanks and cooling towers should not normally overflow.

You may have a leak if:
The meter continues to run when all taps and fittings are turned off.
- Water consumption is unusually high.
- The ground over buried pipes is damp.
- There is an unexplained flow of clear water.
- Water is rust coloured.
- The water pressure drops.
- Steam is seen rising from pipes.

Note that overflowing or leaking cooling towers are seldom noticed because overflow pipes are sometimes connected directly to sewers, concealing discharge.

If any of these happen:
1. Shut off the water supply.
2. Get a licensed water service worker to repair the leak by replacing the pipe or fittings

PUB can help if you need a list of licensed water service workers.