A sudden increase in your water bill is one of the clearest signs that something has changed in your home's water use — and very often, that something is a hidden leak. On the Gold Coast, where council water charges include both usage and fixed charges, an unexplained spike in the usage component is worth investigating promptly.
1. A running or leaking toilet
A toilet that continuously runs or has a slow flapper leak can waste hundreds of litres a day, silently and out of sight. Because the leak runs into the sewer, there's no visible puddle — just a higher bill. The food-colouring test (add dye to the cistern, wait 15 minutes, check the bowl) confirms whether the flapper is leaking.
See our guides on common signs of a leaking toilet and solving common toilet problems
2. A hidden pipe leak
A leak behind a wall, under a floor, or underground in the yard can run continuously without any visible sign until the bill arrives. Common signs include damp patches, mould, the sound of running water when nothing is in use, and unexplained lush patches in the garden. Hidden leaks waste water around the clock, so even a small one adds up significantly over a billing cycle.
If you suspect a hidden leak, read our guide on signs you may have a water leak and consider professional leak detection.
3. Dripping taps and failing fixtures
A single dripping tap might seem minor, but a fast drip can waste dozens of litres a day. Multiple dripping taps, a leaking showerhead, or a failing mixer cartridge all contribute. Check every tap and showerhead in the house — including outdoor taps — for drips or weeping.
4. Irrigation and outdoor leaks
A cracked irrigation pipe, a leaking garden tap, or a dripping solenoid valve can waste large volumes of water unnoticed, especially if the system runs overnight. If you have an irrigation system, check the controller, inspect visible pipes for dampness, and look for soggy patches in the garden that don't dry out.
5. Hot water system relief valve
The temperature and pressure relief valve on a storage hot water system releases small amounts of water during normal operation, but a faulty valve that runs continuously can waste significant water. If you see steady dripping from the relief valve pipe, the valve may need replacing. See our hot water services for assistance.
6. Changes in household usage
Not every bill increase is a leak. Guests staying over, a new bathroom, filling a pool, or a change in watering habits during dry Gold Coast weather can all increase usage. Before assuming a leak, consider whether your household's water use has genuinely changed.
How to narrow it down
Turn off all taps and water-using appliances, then check your water meter. If the meter is still moving, you have a leak somewhere in the system. If you can isolate the hot water system, irrigation, and individual fixtures, you can narrow down the source. For hidden leaks that you can't locate, professional leak detection using acoustic equipment can pinpoint the leak without digging.
If your water bill has jumped and you can't find the cause, contact our Gold Coast plumbing team for leak detection and repair.
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