Faulty faucets and poor piping are draining thousands of dollars from homeowners wallets every year, plumbers warn.
Is your water bill creeping just that little bit higher every year? Well, the garden sprinkler might not be to blame after all, as recent findings from Adelaide-based plumbing service Same Day Trades reveal that undetected leaks and outdated fixtures throughout millions of Aussie homes are racking up hefty hidden fees.
“We’ve found that in around 60 per cent of Adelaide homes we inspect, there’s some level of water waste occurring, whether through leaks, inefficient fixtures, or poor maintenance,” said Sam, the group’s lead technician.
“Most homeowners are unaware that a simple dripping tap or a hidden pipe leak can waste tens of thousands of litres of water over the course of a year.”
According to data from SA Water, even a single dripping tap can waste more than 20,000 litres of water annually – enough to fill a small swimming pool.
And those drops don’t come cheap, with smaller plumbing issues and slow leaks leaving households losing at least $300 or more a year on average under the state’s current water rates.
For larger leaks or inefficient water systems, Sam said this figure could skyrocket up to $1200 a year, particularly in older homes where plumbing isn’t on par with modern building standards.
“In many cases, it’s the older Adelaide homes that are most at risk. We’ve worked on houses that are using inefficient water systems designed decades ago. Updating those systems not only saves money but is a big step toward water conservation,” he explained.
It’s time for an upgrade
With South Australia cracking down on its water wastage during the recent dry spell, Sam encouraged homeowners to take advantage of the recent government initiatives, such as water-saving rebates, to upgrade their homes to more efficient systems.
“We’re lucky to live in a city that takes water conservation seriously, but it’s surprising how many people don’t realise that they’re wasting water every day through hidden plumbing issues,” Sam continues.
“Leaks, worn-out seals, old pipes – these are all problems that can be fixed relatively easily and save homeowners a fortune over time.”
But saving schemes like these aren’t exclusive to Australia’s Crow capital, with similar rebates offered across NSW, Western Australia and Victoria for upgrading to eco-friendly fixtures.
SA homeowners do, however, get the added bonus of discounted water-efficient fixtures this October, courtesy of Same Day Trades, including common items like low-flow shower heads and water-saving taps.
“Adelaide residents need to be aware of how much they could be saving,” added Sam.
“Taking action now can prevent a huge financial and environmental cost down the track.”
If you find your water bill still climbing after making the savings switch, Sam encouraged homeowners to call in the pros for a ‘comprehensive water efficiency audit’, which includes s thorough inspection of all plumbing systems to identify hidden leaks and bespoke recommendations for upgrades.
“A single inspection can save a homeowner hundreds of dollars a year,” he added, urging owners across the country to be proactive.
“Water rates are only going to increase, and ignoring the problem will just lead to higher bills in the future.”
What should you do if you suspect a leak?
If you think your plumbing might have sprung a leak, it’s important to take action immediately to prevent further damage. You should:
- Make sure no water is being used inside or outside the building.
- Locate your water meter and check the leak indicator to see if it’s moving.
- Take a meter reading and then repeat the action one or two hours later to see if water was used.
- Call a professional to conduct plumbing leak detection and remedy the leak ASAP.
