Underground Water Leak Detection & Pipe Repair in Melbourne
Suspect an underground leak? We detect and repair hidden burst pipes and water leaks beneath Melbourne homes and gardens—cleanly and accurately.
What’s Going On Below the Surface Could Be Costing You Thousands
You don’t have to see a leak to feel its damage.
Underground water leaks are one of the most expensive and frustrating plumbing issues for Melbourne homeowners—because they’re invisible, ongoing, and often ignored until it’s too late.
At Detect and Repair, we specialise in underground water leak detection and pipe repairs across Melbourne, using non-invasive methods to locate burst pipes, cracked fittings, or worn-out mains beneath lawns, driveways, and foundations.
Whether you’re seeing unexplained water bills, damp patches in your garden, or water pooling for no reason—our expert leak detection plumbers are here to find the source and fix it fast.
💡 A leak under your property can waste thousands of litres—and cause hidden structural damage.
We detect it. We repair it. We help protect your home from the ground up.
Why Pipes Burst or Leak Beneath the Ground
Underground leaks don’t happen without reason—there’s always a cause.
Understanding what leads to burst water pipes and leaking underground connections helps us fix the problem properly—and prevent it from coming back.
⚙️ Common Causes of Below-Ground Water Leaks:
🔧 Ageing or Worn Pipes
Over time, even high-quality copper or poly piping begins to corrode, split, or weaken under pressure—especially in older Melbourne homes.
🏗️ Ground Movement or Soil Pressure
Tree roots, foundation shifts, vehicle weight, or natural earth movement can stress or crack underground pipework.
💦 Poor Installation or DIY Repairs
Incorrect fittings, loose joints, or shallow burial depth from past installations can lead to pipe failure under normal use.
🌳 Tree Root Intrusion
Roots can grow around or into pipes, squeezing or penetrating joins—leading to long-term pressure and eventual breakage.
📈 High or Fluctuating Water Pressure
Excessive pressure, surges, or poorly balanced systems often result in burst pipes beneath the surface, especially near elbows or joints.
❌ Leaking or Faulty Mains Connections
Issues at the meter or street-side connection point can cause persistent underground leakage that affects both water supply and bills.
💡 No matter the cause, we find the source—not just the symptoms.
With pressure testing, acoustic pinpointing, and trenchless access, we’ll locate the exact problem and carry out a lasting fix—anywhere across Melbourne.
How We Find and Repair Underground Water Leaks - Without the Guesswork
Underground water leaks can be tricky—but not for a trained leak detection specialist.
We follow a proven process to detect the source, confirm the damage, and repair it cleanly—without unnecessary digging or delays.
Our Process: Detect – Repair – Protect:
Our proven 3-step process helps Melbourne homeowners stop leaks at the source—without the damage or uncertainty of guesswork.
🔍 Step 1: Accurate Leak Detection
We begin with a non-invasive inspection using tools like acoustic sensors, pressure testing, and thermal imaging where needed. We pinpoint the location of the leak with precision—whether it’s under a lawn, driveway, or beneath concrete.
🔧 Step 2: Repair It Properly
Once we’ve found the leak, we carry out a proper, long-lasting repair using the correct method and materials for your pipe type—whether it’s copper, PVC, poly, or aged galvanised pipework. If the section is corroded or no longer serviceable, we’ll replace it cleanly and restore flow without affecting the rest of your system.
We don’t patch and walk away—we repair with the goal of preventing further failure.
🛡️ Step 3: Protect the system
Before we leave, we make sure your system is secure. We test the repair, clean the area, and discuss any ongoing preventative works that may be needed—such as pressure adjustments, replacing vulnerable pipe sections, or upgrading ageing lines.
Our goal isn’t just to fix today’s problem—it’s to help you avoid the next one.
From hidden leak to full repair, we detect it, fix it, and help protect your home—properly, and without the mess.
Get the Plumber you deserve!
Not Just Any Plumber - We’re Leak Detection & Repair Specialists
Underground leaks are complex, costly, and easy to misdiagnose. You need more than just a shovel and guesswork.
You need a team who knows where to look—and what to do next.
Why Choose Us for Underground Water Leak Detection in Melbourne?
✅ 25+ Years of Real Experience
We’ve been detecting and repairing water leaks in Melbourne homes for over two decades. We know what fails, where it hides, and how to fix it properly the first time.
✅ We Detect and Repair—Start to Finish
No handballing. No outsourcing. We locate the leak and carry out the repair ourselves—saving you time, stress, and follow-up calls.
✅ Specialists in Underground Leaks
This is our bread and butter. From burst mains under driveways to slow leaks below lawns, we use targeted, non-invasive detection to minimise mess and maximise precision.
✅ Clean Work. Clear Communication. Real Solutions.
We turn up on time, work respectfully, explain everything, and get it done. No confusing jargon. No hidden costs. Just professional results you can rely on.
✅ You Stay in Control - We Take Control of the Leak
You’re in charge of your home. We’re in charge of the plumbing issue. Together, we’ll stop the leak and protect what matters most.
Our reputation is built on care, trust and doing the job right—not just ticking the box. That’s why we’re called out again and again by Melbourne families who want plumbing handled with attention and respect.
Your Melbourne Service
How to Tell If You Have a Water Leak Underground
Underground leaks often go unnoticed until they cause serious water damage—or financial pain.
Here are the most common warning signs Melbourne homeowners report before we locate and repair a leak below ground.
💸 Unexplained High Water Bills
If your usage hasn’t changed but your water bill has spiked, a burst pipe or underground water leak may be wasting litres every day.
💧 Wet or Soggy Garden Areas
Water pooling on your lawn, near garden beds, or around paving is often caused by a leaking underground pipe—even during dry weather.
🌱 Unusual Plant or Grass Growth
Greener patches or fast-growing areas may indicate underground water seepage beneath the soil feeding certain spots more than others.
🧱 Damp Paving, Cracked Concrete or Shifting Soil
Leaks near driveways, paths, or foundations can undermine stability, causing uneven paving, movement, or hairline cracks.
🔊 Sound of Running Water When No Fixtures Are On
If you hear hissing, trickling, or movement in walls or near the meter, a hidden leak may be running 24/7.
🛑 Water Meter Moving While Everything’s Off
Turn off all taps and appliances. If your water meter is still spinning, that’s a strong indicator of a leak somewhere underground.
If even one of these sounds familiar, don’t wait.
We use proven methods to locate leaks fast and repair them properly – so you’re not left guessing or digging.
We can assess, repair, and protect in one visit—often before things turn critical.
Underground Leak Detection Specialists Serving Melbourne & Beyond
We provide fast, precise underground water leak detection and burst pipe repair across Inner South East Melbourne, the Bayside corridor, and the Mornington Peninsula.
Whether it’s a leaking mains pipe under your driveway in Glen Iris, unexplained water pooling in a Mornington backyard, or a water bill spike in Brighton—we’re the local leak detection specialists trusted by Melbourne families.
No matter where you’re located in the Inner South East, Bayside or Peninsula corridor, our burst pipe plumbers offer precision, care, and fast response—backed by modern tools and time-tested plumbing expertise.
Need a burst pipe plumber in Carlton? Suspect a water pipe burst in Hampton? Have a leaking pipe in Mornington or emergency plumbing in Dandenong? Our Detect and Repair specialised plumbers have got your area covered.
Suburbs We Regularly Service In The Inner South East And Surrounds:
- South Yarra
- Prahran
- Carlton
- Toorak
- Malvern East
- Armadale
- Caulfield
- Glen Iris
- Hawthorn East
- Camberwell
- Kooyong
- Balwyn
- Ashburton
- Chadstone
- Carnegie
- Bentleigh
- Elsternwick
- Brighton
- Murrumbeena
- Carlton
- Burwood
Expanded Coverage Into The South-East Corridor And Bayside:
- Frankston
- Langwarrin
- Seaford
- Carrum Downs
- Chelsea
- Aspendale
- Patterson Lakes
- Dandenong
- Keysborough
- Springvale
- Noble Park
- Mornington
- Mount Eliza
- Mount Martha
- Safety Beach
- Dromana
- Rosebud
- Frankston South
- Skye
- Sandhurst
- Hastings
Book your way – Call us today!
"We had a sudden spike in our water bill and found out it was a leak underground. The team located it quickly and repaired the pipe without tearing up the whole yard!" Mel & James - Glen Iris
Underground Water Leak FAQs – What Melbourne Homeowners Ask Most
How do I know if I have a leak underground?
Common signs include soggy areas in the garden, unusually high water bills, the sound of running water with everything turned off, or green patches of grass that grow faster than the rest. If in doubt, we’ll pinpoint it for you.
Can you detect a leak without digging?
Yes. We use non-invasive tools like acoustic sensors and pressure testing to find the leak first—before any digging starts. Our goal is minimal disruption with maximum accuracy.
Do you repair the leak as well?
Absolutely. We don’t just detect—we’re licensed plumbers who locate and professionally repair the problem underground. No need to call a second tradesperson.
Is a small underground leak really that serious?
Yes. Even a slow leak can cause thousands of litres of water loss, rising bills, soil erosion, and long-term property damage. It’s better to fix it early—before it turns into a major issue.
What types of underground pipes can you work on?
We handle all common types including poly, copper, PVC, and aged galvanised pipes. Whether it’s mains supply or a lateral line, we’ll assess and repair it properly.
How long does underground leak detection take?
Most leaks can be detected and confirmed within 1–2 hours, sometimes longer – depending on the location and pipe depth. We work efficiently and communicate throughout the process.
Will you need to dig up my garden or driveway?
Only if it’s absolutely necessary. If we do need access, it’s targeted and minimal—not full excavation. We always clean up and restore the area as best as possible.
What if the leak is close to my water meter or street connection?
We’re experienced with both private and water authority leaks. If the issue is on your side, we’ll handle it. If not, we’ll help you understand your next steps.
I live in an older Melbourne home - are my pipes more likely to fail?
Older homes with original pipework – especially galvanised or poorly installed system – are at higher risk. We’ll inspect and advise if other sections may need upgrading as part of our service.
Which areas of Melbourne do you service?
We work across Inner South East Melbourne, Bayside, the Mornington Peninsula and surrounding suburbs—including Glen Iris, Frankston, Box Hill, Dandenong and more.
Suspect a Leak Underground? Let’s Find It - And Fix It.
Get it fixed properly—today.
Our Melbourne-based plumbers detect the issue, fix it with lasting materials, and help protect your home from future failures.If you’ve noticed high water bills, wet soil, or mystery pooling around your property—it’s time to take control.
We’re Melbourne’s trusted team for underground leak detection and burst pipe repairs, with the experience and equipment to do it properly.
What you get
✔️ 25+ Years Detecting & Repairing Leaks Across Melbourne
✔️ Licensed, Insured, and Fully Qualified
✔️ Non-Invasive Detection Techniques
✔️ Repairs Done Properly—Not Patched or Delayed
✔️ No Call Centres—Deal Directly with the Plumber
✔️ Respectful, Clean Workmanship Every Time
✔️ Local Knowledge of Melbourne Soil & Plumbing Conditions
✔️ We Detect. We Repair. We Help Prevent Future Failures.
Proudly trusted by Melbourne homeowners for reliable plumbing repairs and peace of mind.