M-01
Thermal imaging
Shows surface temperature patterns. Helpful for tracing hot lines and moisture, but patterns need interpreting alongside other evidence.
Find the source. Understand the evidence.
Water Leak Detection Gold Coast: Thermal Imaging & Pressure Testing
Water meter moving with every tap off, a high water bill or a damp patch that won't dry? Tensor Plumbing provides methodical leak detection across the Gold Coast from our base in Parkwood, for homes and units in Southport, Labrador, Ashmore, Helensvale and beyond, using thermal imaging, pressure testing and moisture mapping, with written reports by arrangement.
Reasons to investigate
Signs of a hidden water leak
These are reasons to investigate, not proof of a leak. Several have other possible causes, which is exactly why a methodical approach matters.
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Water use you can't explain
A higher bill, or a meter that keeps moving with every tap off.
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Damp patches or staining
Marks on walls, skirting or ceilings, especially below wet areas.
S-03
Musty smells or lifting floors
Persistent moisture can show up before any visible water.
S-04
Hot water changes
Pressure drops or temperature changes that don't have an obvious cause.
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Cracked or drummy tiles
Tiles that crack, lift or sound hollow near showers and wet areas.
S-06
Mould near wet areas
Mould or peeling paint on walls next to bathrooms, laundries and kitchens.
Methods
Our leak detection methods
The right tool for the site, not every tool on every job. Methods are used only where available, appropriate and within scope. Each has strengths and limits, and we'll explain both.
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Moisture assessment
Non-invasive readings across affected surfaces to map where moisture is and isn't present.
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Pressure testing
Isolating sections of the supply to check whether they hold pressure over a test period.
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CCTV and acoustic tools
Camera inspection of drains, and acoustic or electronic detection where available and suitable.
Process
How a leak investigation works, from symptom to finding
What a standard visit includes
Investigation, an on-site explanation of what we observed, and recommended next steps. A written report is a separate deliverable, quoted and agreed before the visit.
- 01
Initial information
We ask about the symptom, its history, any recent work and what you've already checked.
- 02
Site assessment
We look at the affected area and the systems that could plausibly be involved.
- 03
Targeted testing
We choose methods that fit the site and the suspected source, not a fixed checklist.
- 04
Observations
We record what we observed, measured and tested, with photos and readings where relevant.
- 05
Explanation and report
We explain the findings and their limits. A written report is available by arrangement.
Need it in writing?
Leak reports for insurance
If you need documentation for an insurer, property manager or your own records, we can provide a report setting out the scope, methods, observations, photos, limitations and recommendations.
Meter ticking over or a damp wall? Book a leak investigation.
Where leaks hide
Shower, wet-area and unit leaks on the Gold Coast
Shower and wet-area leaks
Not every bathroom leak is a pipe. Water can escape through cracked grout, failed silicone or a waterproofing membrane that has broken down, and show up as swollen skirting, a damp wall in the next room or a stain on the ceiling below. We test the pressurised supply and the drainage separately, and use flood or spray tests where suitable, so you know whether you need a plumber, a waterproofer or both. Our article on how a plumber finds a hidden water leak walks through the steps.
Leaks in units and body corporate buildings
In apartment buildings in Southport, Surfers Paradise and along the Broadwater, water from one lot can appear in another, or come from common property pipework or the roof. Tracing it often needs access to more than one lot and the building manager's cooperation. We record what we observe in each area so owners, the body corporate and insurers are working from the same facts.
Water bills
Gold Coast water bill relief for concealed leaks
City of Gold Coast has a Concealed Water Leak Policy that can give residential and small business customers some relief on the cost of water lost through a leak you couldn't reasonably see, such as one under a slab or inside a wall. Broadly, the leak has to be concealed, and it has to be repaired promptly by a Queensland licensed plumber. Applications have a deadline counted from your water notice or leak notification.
We can find and repair the leak and give you the plumber's details and description of the repair that the application asks for. Council decides the outcome, so check the current rules and form on the City of Gold Coast water leaks page. Start with the checks in water meter moving with taps off.
Questions
Leak detection FAQs: Gold Coast
Can you guarantee you'll find the leak?
No one can honestly guarantee that. Leak investigation depends on site conditions and accessible evidence. Some leaks are intermittent or concealed in ways that need invasive access to confirm. We'll tell you what we found, how confident we are, and what the options are.
Is leak detection non-invasive?
Our first approach is non-invasive wherever practical. If confirming a source would require opening a wall, floor or ceiling, we discuss it with you first. We don't cut without agreement.
Do you use every tool on every job?
No. Methods are selected per job. A visit may involve one technique or several depending on the symptoms, access and what the early evidence shows.
Can you provide a report for my insurer?
Yes, by arrangement. Reports document plumbing-related observations within the scope of the inspection. They don't determine insurance coverage or liability.
What should I do before you arrive?
If water is actively causing damage and it's safe, turn off the water at the meter. Take dated photos of the affected area and note when you first noticed the symptom. Avoid painting over or removing damaged materials.
Further reading
Understand leak investigations.
How a plumber investigates a hidden water leak
A step-by-step look at how a licensed plumber investigates a hidden water leak, from meter checks and pressure testing to narrowing down likely locations.
Read articleThermal imaging for leak detection: what it can and cannot tell you
Thermal imaging can help locate hidden leaks, but it shows temperature, not water. Learn what a thermal camera can show, its limits and how results are checked.
Read articleWater meter moving when every tap is off: what to check next
If your water meter moves with every tap off, there may be a leak. Simple checks a homeowner can make, and when to call a licensed plumber to test further.
Read articleReviews
Read what Gold Coast customers say on Google.
Reviews from real customers live on our Google Business Profile.
Service areas
Leak detection across the Gold Coast: where we work
Based in Parkwood, we cover Gold Coast suburbs within about 30 minutes: from Ormeau and Pimpama in the north to Burleigh and Currumbin in the south, and out to Nerang and Mudgeeraba.
Central: Parkwood, Southport to Mermaid Beach
- Leak detection Parkwood
- Leak detection Arundel
- Leak detection Molendinar
- Leak detection Ashmore
- Leak detection Southport
- Leak detection Benowa
- Leak detection Bundall
- Surfers Paradise
- Main Beach
- Broadbeach Waters
- Clear Island Waters
- Mermaid Waters
- Broadbeach
- Mermaid Beach
Broadwater: Labrador to Hope Island
North: Helensvale and Coomera to Ormeau
- Leak detection Gaven
- Leak detection Helensvale
- Leak detection Pacific Pines
- Oxenford
- Upper Coomera
- Maudsland
- Coomera
- Pimpama
- Ormeau
- Ormeau Hills
- Willow Vale
- Wongawallan
- Jacobs Well
West & South: Nerang to Currumbin
- Leak detection Nerang
- Leak detection Highland Park
- Leak detection Carrara
- Merrimac
- Worongary
- Gilston
- Tallai
- Robina
- Mudgeeraba
- Advancetown
- Reedy Creek
- Varsity Lakes
- Burleigh Heads
- Burleigh Waters
- Tallebudgera
- Palm Beach
- Elanora
- Miami
- Bonogin
- Currumbin
- Currumbin Waters
All Gold Coast service areas · Not listed? Call us and we'll confirm.
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Leaking taps, running toilets, burst pipes, low water pressure and new fixtures, fixed by a local Gold Coast plumber based in Parkwood.
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Plumbing maintenance for Gold Coast homes, rentals and body corporates, with photo reports after every visit.
Explore maintenanceRequest a leak investigation
Tell us what you've noticed.
Tell us the symptom, the property type and suburb, how urgent it is and whether you need a written report. We'll confirm scope and the next step.