Author: Scot

Underground Water Leaks: What to Look For and How We Fix Them

An underground water leak is one of the most frustrating plumbing issues a homeowner can face. Hidden beneath your lawn, driveway, or foundation, these silent drips can waste thousands of litres of water, send your bills sky-high, and cause serious damage over time. If you live in Kumeu, Henderson, or across West Auckland and suspect a hidden leak, here’s how to spot the signs; and how Water To Waste Plumbing & Drainage can help.

Warning Signs: How to Spot a Leak Beneath Your Property

Underground leaks don’t always make a scene. But if you know what to look for, your property will give you a few clues:

Unexplained Water Bill Increase

Seen a sudden spike in your water bill? If nothing else has changed, a hidden leak is often the culprit.

Soggy Lawns or Greener Patches

Some spots may stay damp or overly lush, even during dry spells. That’s a red flag for a leaking supply pipe or drainage issue.

Low Water Pressure

A noticeable drop in pressure, especially with no other appliances running, can mean water is escaping underground.

Sounds of Water Running

Hear hissing or bubbling from walls or floors when nothing’s on? It’s likely water leaking where you can’t see it.

Cracks or Sinkholes in Driveways or Yard

Water escaping underground can cause soil erosion, leading to surface cracking or even collapse.

Discoloured or Bubbly Tap Water

Murky or aerated water may mean sediment or air is being drawn in through a cracked underground pipe.

Try This First: The Water Meter Leak Test

Before calling in the cavalry, try this simple DIY test:

1. Turn off all taps, appliances, and outdoor hoses.
2. Check your water meter reading.
3. Wait 15 to 60 minutes without using water.
4. Recheck the meter.

If the reading changes; it’s time to call your local West Auckland or Kumeu plumbing experts.

Professional Leak Detection: We Don’t Just Guess

At Water To Waste Plumbing & Drainage, we don’t always dig holes and hope for the best. Our fully licensed Master Plumbers can use non-invasive specialist tools and targeted tech to find the leak fast and fix it right the first time.

Acoustic Leak Detection

Using ultra-sensitive microphones, we listen for escaping water through soil, concrete, and walls; without digging.

Thermal Imaging Cameras

Temperature differences in wet areas reveal leaks within walls, under floors, or even beneath concrete slabs.

Pressure Testing

By isolating parts of your plumbing, we identify which section is losing pressure; narrowing down the location of the leak and site.

Why Locals Trust Us for Leak Detection & Repairs

Whether you’re in West Auckland, Norwest Auckland, Henderson, Kumeu, or nearby; we’re your local plumbing team that shows up, gets it done, and leaves it tidy. Here’s why customers call Water To Waste first:

✅ Fully licensed and Master Plumbers

✅ Fast, accurate detection (no guesswork)

✅ Minimal excavation and disruption

✅ Honest advice and lasting repairs

✅ Residential, commercial, and industrial leak detection

Don’t Wait; Call the Experts 0800990069

A hidden water leak only gets worse (and more expensive) the longer it’s left. Call Water To Waste Plumbing & Drainage today on 0800 990 069. Our expert Kumeu and West Auckland plumbers are ready to track it down and sort it out.

Sorting out your plumbing today, brings you peace of mind tomorrow.

Plumbing Headaches? Here’s When to Call in the Professionals

Every homeowner has been there; the annoying drip, the slow-draining sink, or the weak shower spray. While some plumbing problems seem minor, they can quickly spiral into costly repairs if not handled properly. So, how do you know when it’s time to grab a wrench… or when it’s time to call your local Norwest or West Auckland plumber?

Here’s how to spot the difference; and why calling in the pros from Water To Waste Plumbing & Drainage might just save you money, stress, and time.

The Leaky Tap That’s Draining More Than Water

That constant drip, drip, drip from the tap might feel like background noise; but it’s also quietly racking up litres of wasted water and unnecessary costs. Often, it’s a worn washer or seal, but fixing it isn’t always a simple swap-out.

A quick DIY attempt can go south fast if you don’t know what you’re looking for; especially with modern tapware. That’s why our team of licensed plumbers in Henderson, Kumeu, and across West Auckland are on call to sort it properly, first time.

Bonus Tip: If you’re dealing with persistent water loss but no visible leak, you may have a hidden one. Our team offers non-invasive leak detection using thermal imaging, and acoustic tech; fast, accurate, and no unnecessary damage.

The Blocked Drain That Won’t Budge

A slow sink, a full tray or bath tub during your shower, or a toilet that’s refusing to cooperate? You’re likely dealing with a blockage. Plungers might help for the odd minor clog, but if it keeps happening; it’s time for us to roll out the unblocker, in our HOSE IT van.

We’re Master Plumbers with the right tools for the job; hydro jetting, CCTV drain inspections, and electric drain machines. Whether it’s built-up fat, tree roots, or something odd down the pipe, we’ll find it and fix it.

From Norwest plumbing systems to commercial drainage in Henderson, we know how to unblock it once; and unblock it right.

The Shower That’s All Trickles, No Pressure

Low water pressure isn’t just annoying; it’s often a warning sign. While it could be your water supplier, it’s usually something inside your system: mineral buildup, aging pipes, or pressure irregularities.

This is where our qualified plumber in Kumeu and West Auckland step in. Don’t go pulling pipes apart or dumping chemicals into the system. We’ll safely assess and restore your water pressure without damaging your infrastructure.

Whether it’s a residential home in Kumeu or a commercial site in Henderson, we get your system back to full strength; and make sure it stays that way.

Not Sure? Call Us; We’re Here to Help

At Water To Waste, we get it; plumbing problems don’t always scream “urgent,” but they have a way of getting worse at the worst possible time.

We’re not just here for burst pipes and emergencies. If something’s off and you’re unsure, give us a call.

0800 990 069; Your local plumber for West Auckland, Henderson, Kumeu, and beyond.

Licensed plumbers. Master Plumbers. Sorting out your plumbing today; for peace of mind tomorrow.

Blocked Drains in West Auckland: What You Need to Know

Blocked drains are one of the most common plumbing call-outs we handle; and one of the most frustrating issues for homeowners. As experienced West Auckland plumbers, we’ve seen it all, from blocked kitchen sinks to sewer mains overflowing with tree roots.

Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead of the mess; and when to call in your local blocked drain specialist.

Tempted to DIY? Don’t Risk It

We get it; the internet is full of tips on how to unblock a drain. But here’s the truth: what seems like a quick fix often makes things worse. From using coat hangers and hoses to dumping harsh chemicals, DIY drain clearing can cause pipe damage, expensive repairs, and even health hazards.

Blocked drains are more than an inconvenience; they’re a plumbing problem that needs a licensed plumber with the right gear and know-how.

What’s Causing the Blockage?

We service homes and businesses across Kumeu, Henderson, West Auckland and Norwest Auckland, and these are the top offenders:

Kitchen Sinks

Grease, oil, food scraps; it all builds up. Even with a sink strainer, residue hardens in your pipes over time, creating a slow-draining sink or a complete blockage. Avoid rinsing food bits or pouring fats down the drain.

Toilets

Only flush toilet paper and human waste. “Flushable” wipes? Not really. They don’t break down the way they claim to, and are one of the biggest causes of toilet blockages in West Auckland homes.

Shower Drains

Hair binds with soap scum and grime, forming stubborn clogs. Removing hair after each shower is the best prevention; but if the water starts backing up, it’s time to call us.

Stormwater & Sewer Lines

Tree roots, collapsed pipes, or silt buildup in older systems can cause major headaches. These aren’t surface-level problems; you need Master Plumbers with CCTV drain inspection gear and drain jetting equipment to sort them properly.

Early Signs of Trouble

Watch for these red flags:

•Slow-draining sinks, showers, or baths

•Gurgling noises or air bubbles in the toilet

•Bad smells coming from drains

•Water pooling around external drains or downpipes

If it’s happening more than once; it’s not a fluke. It’s a warning.

Call in the West Auckland Drain Experts

At Water To Waste Plumbing & Drainage, we’re not here to guess; we diagnose the issue fast using CCTV drain cameras and high-pressure jetting tools. Whether you’re in Kumeu, Henderson, or anywhere in the West Auckland or Norwest Auckland areas, our blocked drain plumbers are fully equipped to fix the issue right; and keep it from coming back.

0800 990 069

Blocked drain? Don’t wait. Don’t DIY. Call your local team of licensed, Master Plumbers today.