Leak detection · Brisbane & SEQ
Leak detection Brisbane: find it first, then fix it
Rising water bill or a meter that won’t stop ticking? We pinpoint hidden and under-slab leaks with thermal imaging and digital leak detection, then give you a written report.

Leak detection in Brisbane, with a written report
Most hidden leaks give themselves away before you ever see water. A water bill that jumps for no reason, a meter that keeps ticking over with every tap off, a damp patch on a wall, or a warm spot on the floor are all signs that water is escaping somewhere you can’t see. The longer it runs, the more it costs, and the more damage it can do to slabs, framing and finishes.
PlumbCore finds the leak first, then explains your options. You don’t pay for guesswork or for floors to be dug up on a hunch.
Signs you may have a hidden leak
- A water bill that’s higher than usual, with no change in how you use water
- The water meter moving when every tap and appliance is off
- Damp, stained or bubbling paint on walls or ceilings
- Warm patches on a tiled or concrete floor, which can point to a hot water line leaking under the slab
- The sound of running water when nothing is on
- Cracked tiles, lifting floorboards or mould that keeps coming back
Do a meter test first
Turn off every tap and water-using appliance in the house. Note the numbers on your water meter, wait 15 minutes without using any water, then check again. If the numbers have moved, there’s probably a leak. Write down both readings and call us.
Where is your water meter, and is it showing a leak?
How to find the meter at your front boundary or in a unit meter cupboard, then use it to check for a hidden leak.
How we find it
We start with the simple checks, then use the right tools to narrow it down. Thermal imaging shows temperature differences behind walls and under floors, which is especially useful for hot water lines. Digital leak detection equipment lets us listen for escaping water along the line and pinpoint where it is, so any opening up is small and in the right place.
- Meter and fixture checksWe confirm there is a leak and work out whether it’s on the hot side, the cold side or the mains.
- Isolate sectionsTurning off parts of the system narrows down where the water is going.
- Thermal imaging and digital detectionWe trace the line and pinpoint the leak without guesswork.
- Written reportYou get written findings with photos, and a practical plan for the repair.
Under-slab leaks: reroute or break the slab?
When a pipe leaks under a concrete slab, digging it up isn’t always the best answer. Breaking the slab means mess, floor coverings lifted and patching afterwards. In many homes it makes more sense to reroute the line through the wall or ceiling and leave the old section isolated. We’ll talk you through both options, and the trade-offs, before any work starts.
Reports for insurers and property managers
Our written findings and photos can go straight to your insurer, body corporate or property manager. That gives them evidence of where the leak was and what caused it, which helps when you need a claim assessed or a repair approved.
Price
Leak detection starts from $330 inc. GST for the first hour, in business hours, with no call-out fee. If the repair can be done on the same visit, we’ll confirm the price with you before we start. See all published prices.
Recent reviews
“I was very impressed with the professional leak detection process and the level of expertise shown throughout the service. The detailed report provided clear findings along with a practical next action plan.”
“We had our hot water tank burst and flooded the laundry area, PlumbCore [were] quick to respond… we had a mains water pipe leak somewhere under our slab and they helped redirect the mains rather than having to completely replumb the house.”
“I have had storm water drains cleared and fixed, water mains leak located and fixed, and they replumbed our cold water lines throughout the house.”
Common questions
How do I know if I have a leak?
Turn off every tap and water-using appliance, note your water meter reading, and check it again after 15 minutes without using any water. If the numbers have moved, there’s probably a leak.
Can you find a leak under my slab without digging it all up?
Yes. We use thermal imaging and digital leak detection to pinpoint the leak, so any opening up is small and in the right place. Often rerouting the line is a better answer than breaking the slab.
Do I get a report?
Yes. You get written findings with photos and a practical plan for the repair. You can pass it to your insurer, body corporate or property manager.
How much does leak detection cost?
Leak detection starts from $330 inc. GST for the first hour, in business hours. There’s no call-out fee.
