Frequently Asked Questions About Underground Water Leaks
Our underground water main leak detection FAQ answers the most common questions Auckland homeowners and plumbers ask about locating hidden water main leaks, costs, accuracy and the leak detection process.Our underground water leak detection process is systematic, efficient, and designed to locate hidden water main leaks while minimising unnecessary excavation.
Confirm the leak
We begin by testing your water meter to measure water loss, determine the leak flow rate, and confirm that an underground water leak is present.
Rule out internal causes
Before investigating outside, we carry out a quick inspection of toilets, hot water systems, and any accessible pipework to ensure the leak isn’t originating within the home or building.
Locate underground services
Using professional pipe tracing and Radiodetection equipment, we identify the likely route of the underground water main. This is particularly important where services run alongside electrical trenches or where the pipe layout is unknown.
Select the most effective detection method
Every leak is different, so we choose the technology best suited to the situation.
- Acoustic leak detection is highly effective for larger or more audible leaks.
- Ferret leak detection technology provides exceptional accuracy when leaks are small, difficult to hear, or located in challenging environments where acoustic methods may not be effective.
Pinpoint the leak
Our goal is to accurately locate the leak before any excavation begins, reducing unnecessary digging, saving time, and helping keep repair costs to a minimum.
Our Acoustic underground water leak detection service starts from $150 + GST, which includes travel and up to one hour on site.
This covers:
- Measuring water loss at the water meter.
- An initial inspection of your plumbing system.
- Acoustic leak detection, where site conditions allow.
The final cost depends on factors such as:
- The size and complexity of the property.
- The location of the underground water main.
- Accessibility and ground conditions.
- Background noise levels.
- The type and size of the leak.
When is Ferret Leak Locating required?
Most leaks can be located using acoustic equipment. However, some leaks are too small, too quiet, or located in conditions where sound-based methods are less effective.
In these situations, we use our Ferret Leak Locating System. This advanced pressure-based technology can pinpoint difficult underground water leaks with exceptional accuracy.
The Ferret service is $550 + GST when used as a second-stage investigation following acoustic testing. This includes:
- Specialist Ferret equipment.
- A consumable Ferret locating head.
- Up to two additional hours on site.
If you’re booking Ferret Leak Locating as a standalone service, the fee is $600 + GST, which includes travel, specialist equipment, a consumable Ferret head, and up to two hours on site.
Any additional time required is charged at $120 + GST per hour.
We’ll always explain the recommended approach and obtain your approval before moving to Ferret Leak Locating, so you’ll know exactly what to expect before any additional costs are incurred.
Acoustic leak detection works by listening for the sound and vibration of water escaping from a pressurised underground water pipe. While it is highly effective in many situations, it relies on the leak producing enough sound to be detected.
There are several reasons why acoustic leak detection may not be successful:
- Very small or slow leaks often produce little or no detectable sound.
- Plastic pipework (such as MDPE) does not transmit sound as effectively as copper or galvanised steel pipes.
- Background noise from traffic, construction, pumps, or nearby activity can interfere with the equipment.
- Deeply buried pipes, or pipes beneath concrete, driveways, or inside conduits, can significantly reduce the sound reaching the surface.
In these situations, the leak is still there—it simply isn’t audible using acoustic equipment.
What happens next?
If acoustic detection isn’t suitable, we can use our Ferret Leak Locating System. Unlike acoustic methods, Ferret technology does not rely on sound. Instead, it uses a pressure-based locating system to accurately pinpoint difficult underground water leaks, even where traditional acoustic detection is ineffective.
This allows us to locate many leaks that would otherwise be extremely difficult—or impossible—to find using listening equipment alone..
The accuracy of underground water leak detection depends on the method used, the type of pipe, and the nature of the leak.
Acoustic leak detection is highly effective for larger leaks that produce enough sound, but its accuracy can be influenced by several factors, including:
- The size of the leak.
- The pipe material (plastic pipes transmit less sound than metal pipes).
- The depth of the pipe.
- Background noise from traffic, machinery, or nearby activity.
For smaller leaks or more challenging situations, we use our Ferret Leak Locating System. Unlike acoustic methods, Ferret technology does not rely on sound. Instead, it isolates sections of the water main and monitors pressure changes to accurately pinpoint the location of the leak.
Using the most appropriate technology for each situation allows us to achieve a very high success rate while minimising unnecessary excavation and reducing repair costs.
No reputable company can guarantee pinpoint accuracy in every situation, but our aim is always to identify the smallest practical excavation area before repairs begin.
While no leak detection company can guarantee that every leak will be located, our success rate is extremely high thanks to our systematic approach and the use of multiple detection technologies.
We don’t rely on a single method. Every investigation begins with confirming that a leak is present and ruling out internal plumbing issues before selecting the most appropriate detection equipment for the conditions.
If acoustic leak detection isn’t suitable, we can use our Ferret Leak Locating System to locate many leaks that are too small, too quiet, or too difficult for traditional listening equipment to detect.
In the rare event that a leak cannot be accurately pinpointed, we’ll explain why, discuss the limitations encountered, and recommend the most practical next steps. We won’t recommend unnecessary excavation or repairs unless we have good reason to believe they are justified.
Our goal is always to provide honest advice and the most accurate underground water leak detection possible, helping you make an informed decision about your property.
In many cases, we’ve successfully located leaks that other companies and investigations—have been unable to find.
In most cases, no excavation is required during the underground water leak detection process.
Our priority is to accurately locate the leak before any repair work begins. By pinpointing the exact location first, repairs can be targeted to a much smaller area, avoiding unnecessary digging and reducing disruption to your property.
Using advanced technology such as our Ferret Leak Locating System, we can often locate underground water leaks beneath driveways, concrete slabs, lawns, and other hard-to-access areas with a high degree of accuracy.
Accurate leak detection helps minimise excavation, reduce repair costs, and protect your driveway, landscaping, and surrounding property.
Most underground water leaks can be located within 1 to 1.5 hours using acoustic leak detection, although the time required depends on the site conditions and the complexity of the leak.
Straightforward leaks are often identified quickly. More challenging situations—particularly where acoustic methods are ineffective—may require additional time using our Ferret Leak Locating System. This advanced technology allows us to accurately locate small or difficult leaks that cannot be detected by sound alone.
Our approach is systematic and thorough. We take the time needed to accurately pinpoint the leak before any excavation begins, helping to minimise unnecessary digging, reduce repair costs, and ensure the repair is carried out in the right location.
Yes, if you would like us to.
Many of our customers ask us to complete the repair once we’ve accurately located the underground water leak. As experienced plumbers, we’re able to carry out both the leak detection and the repair if that’s the most convenient option.
However, we’re equally happy to work alongside your existing plumber. Many plumbing companies use our leak detection service because we can accurately pinpoint the leak, allowing them to complete the repair quickly and with minimal excavation.
The choice is entirely yours. Whether you’d like us to carry out the repair or simply provide an accurate leak location for your own plumber, we’re happy to help.
Yes — and this is where our advanced leak detection technology really makes the difference.
Small or slow underground water leaks are often difficult—or even impossible—to locate using standard acoustic leak detection, particularly on plastic pipework or where background noise interferes with listening equipment. These are the types of leaks that are commonly missed or remain unresolved.
Using our Ferret Leak Locating System, we can accurately pinpoint leaks that produce little or no audible sound. Rather than relying on listening equipment alone, Ferret technology isolates sections of the water main and monitors pressure changes to identify the location of the leak.
This allows us to locate many difficult leaks that acoustic methods alone simply can’t detect.
Using advanced Ferret pressure-testing technology combined with acoustic survey methods, Leak Locators can pinpoint underground water main leaks that less sophisticated methods often miss.
Working in the plumbing industry for this long provides a deep understanding of how water mains have been installed and materials used over the years.
This knowledge is extremely valuable when locating leaks, solving difficult problems, and determining the most effective solution.
Still have a question?
If you suspect you have an underground water leak but can’t find the source, we’re happy to help.
Our advanced leak detection equipment allows us to locate hidden water main leaks throughout Auckland with minimal excavation.
Contact Leak Locators today to arrange an inspection. Mike on 021-248-7233
We provide underground water leak detection throughout Auckland, including: