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A leaking pipe is one of those situations where acting quickly makes a big difference. Water damage can escalate rapidly — from a damp patch to a ruined floor, wall, or ceiling in a matter of hours. Here is what to do the moment you discover a leak.
Step 1: Turn Off the Water
Your first priority is stopping the water. Every Auckland home has a toby valve — the main water shutoff — located at the property boundary, usually under a small metal cover in the ground near the front fence or driveway.
- Find the toby and turn it off (turn clockwise, or use a toby key if needed)
- Open a tap inside the house to drain the pressure from the pipes
- If you can isolate the affected area at a closer valve, use that instead of turning off the whole house
If you do not know where your toby valve is, find it now — before you need it in an emergency.
Step 2: Manage the Water
- Place buckets or towels under the leak to catch water
- Move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from the affected area
- If water is coming through a ceiling, pierce a small hole in the lowest point to drain it in a controlled direction rather than letting it spread
- If a ceiling looks like it might collapse from the weight of water above, stay out of the room
Step 3: Turn Off the Hot Water Cylinder
If the leak is severe or you are not sure where it is, switch off the hot water cylinder at your electrical switchboard. This prevents it from heating an empty tank (which can burn out the element) and stops it adding to the water volume if it is connected to the leak.
Step 4: Call a Plumber
Once you have turned off the water and contained the immediate situation, call a plumber. For significant leaks, treat it as an emergency — do not wait until the next day.
Water and Gas Worx provides emergency plumbing across Auckland. Call 0800 322 322.
Common Types of Leaks and What Causes Them
Burst Pipes
Sudden, high-volume leaks usually mean a burst pipe — a pipe has split or failed completely. Common causes include:
- Corrosion in old galvanised or copper pipes
- Accidental damage during renovations or digging
- Water hammer — repeated pressure spikes that fatigue pipe joints over time
Pinhole Leaks
Slow drips from copper pipes are often caused by pinhole corrosion — the pipe gradually corrodes through from the inside. You may notice it as a stain on a ceiling, a damp wall, or an unexplained rise in your water bill.
Leaking Joints and Fittings
Pipe joints, couplings, and fittings can fail over time. The seal dries out, corrodes, or was never properly made. These are usually fixable with relatively minor repair work.
Flexi Hose Failures
Flexible braided hoses connect taps and toilets to supply pipes under sinks and vanities. The outer braiding can corrode or be damaged, allowing the inner hose to burst. These are a leading cause of serious water damage in Auckland homes — replace any that are more than 10 years old as a precaution.
How to Find a Hidden Leak
Not all leaks are visible. Signs of a hidden leak include:
- Unexplained increase in your water bill
- Sound of running water when all taps are off
- Damp patches on walls, floors, or ceilings
- Mould or mildew appearing without obvious cause
- Hot spots on floors (with hot water leaks under slab)
A plumber can use leak detection methods including pressure testing to confirm whether there is a leak in the system, even if the location is not obvious.
Preventing Leaks
- Replace flexi hoses proactively every 10 years — do not wait for them to fail
- Know where your toby valve is and check it turns freely
- Have old galvanised pipes assessed — repiping eliminates ongoing leak risk
- Check under sinks and vanities periodically for early signs of weeping joints
Dealing with a Leak or Suspect a Hidden One?
Water and Gas Worx locates and repairs leaks across Auckland. We use pressure testing and inspection to find hidden leaks before they become serious damage. See our pricing or check which areas we service.
Call 0800 322 322 or email service@wgw.co.nz
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first when I find a leaking pipe?
Turn off the water immediately at your toby valve (the main shutoff at your property boundary). Then open a tap inside to drain pressure. Place buckets or towels under the leak, move valuables away, and call a plumber. For major leaks, also switch off the hot water cylinder at your switchboard.
How quickly can a plumber come for a burst pipe?
For emergencies like burst pipes, gas leaks, or no hot water, we aim for same-day — often within a few hours during business hours. A burst pipe with active water flow is treated as a priority emergency plumbing job.
How much does it cost to fix a leaking pipe?
Our standard rate is $155 plus GST for the first hour, then $100 plus GST per hour after that, charged in 15-minute increments. After-hours is $295 plus GST for the first hour, and public holidays are $395 plus GST for the first hour — then $100 plus GST per hour after in both cases. See our full pricing page for more detail. We can quote before starting so you know the cost upfront. Most single-point leaks are repaired within an hour or two.
How do I know if I have a hidden water leak?
Signs include an unexplained increase in your water bill, the sound of running water when all taps are off, damp patches on walls or ceilings, mould appearing without obvious cause, or hot spots on floors (which can indicate a hot water leak under the slab). A plumber can do a pressure test to confirm. If you are also seeing low water pressure at the same time, that is another red flag.
Do you service my area?
Yes — we cover all of Auckland. Check the full list of areas we service to see your suburb, or just call 0800 322 322 and we will confirm.