How to Find Leak in Water Tank Before It Gets Worse

Even a small leak in your water tank can waste thousands of litres of water and quietly increase your water bill. What starts as a slow drip or damp patch can quickly turn into a serious issue, damaging your property, contaminating your water supply, and leading to costly repairs if ignored.

Detecting leaks early is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your water storage system. This blog will help you understand how to check for leaks, recognise early warning signs, learn why tanks start leaking, and see why professional leak repairs are the safest way to restore your system.

Why Water Tanks Leak

Understanding what causes a leaking water tank helps professionals determine the best long-term fix.

Here are the most common causes:

• Structural wear and tear: Over time, concrete water tanks can develop small cracks from age, shifting soil, or pressure changes.
• Poor installation: Incorrectly fitted inlet and overflow connections can lead to leaks around joints and seals.
• Environmental pressure: Nearby tree roots or unstable ground can push against the base or walls, leading to damage.
• Corrosion or sealant failure: Especially in older tanks, worn-out coatings or weakened seals allow water to seep through.
• Overfilling or high internal pressure: Constant strain from overuse or faulty valves increases the risk of cracking or leakage.

Knowing these causes allows plumbers to choose durable, compliant repair solutions rather than temporary patches.

Common Signs of a Water Tank Leak

Your water tank plays an essential role in your home or business, whether it’s storing collected rainwater, supplementing mains water usage, or supplying your hot water cylinder. Recognising early signs of water loss can help prevent bigger issues later.

Watch out for these warning signs that your tank is leaking:

• Damp patches or pooling water around the base of the tank.
• A sudden drop in tank levels even though your daily water usage hasn’t changed.
• Cracks or stains along the tank wall, base, or lid.
• Moss or algae growth, which suggests constant moisture around the area.
• Fluctuating water pressure or reduced flow inside your property.
• An unexplained high water bill if you’re using mains-connected storage.

Once you notice any of these signs of water escaping, it’s time to take a closer look, safely and systematically.

How Professionals Detect Leaks in Water Tanks

Locating a leak isn’t always as simple as spotting dripping water. In many cases, leaks are hidden within joints, cracks, or buried pipes. Licensed plumbers use advanced, non-invasive techniques for detecting leaks safely and accurately:

• Visual inspection: Checking seams, fittings, overflow, and inlet connections for corrosion or cracks.
• Water level monitoring: Measuring how fast the water level drops after the system has been stabilised.
• Dye testing: Using food-grade dye inside the tank to trace exactly where the water escapes.
• Acoustic and pressure testing: Listening for sound changes or air pressure loss that reveal hidden leaks.

These methods give precise results without damaging the tank. They’re also carried out under strict New Zealand health and safety standards to ensure full compliance.

The Importance of Finding Leaks

When a water tank leak goes unnoticed, the consequences extend beyond wasted water. Persistent leaks can weaken the structure, increase your water bill, and even contaminate your clean water supply.

Identifying leaks early allows plumbers to:

• Stop further damage before it affects your foundation or nearby areas.
• Prevent costly repairs by addressing small cracks before they spread.
• Maintain the integrity of your water supply and prevent contamination.
• Avoid unnecessary water loss that strains your water meters and local supply network.

Finding leaks early also helps you understand how to fix leaking concrete water tank problems the right way, through professional solutions that restore your system safely and permanently.

Because tank plumbing connects directly to your main water supply and drainage systems, it’s considered sanitary plumbing work. Under the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2006, only licensed professionals can legally carry out or certify such repairs. Attempting DIY fixes often makes things worse, turning a small repair into an expensive replacement.

Preventing Future Leaks

Prevention is always better than repair, and far more affordable. Regular maintenance keeps your tank working efficiently and reduces the chance of emergency leaks.

Here are a few expert tips to keep your tank healthy:

• Schedule inspections at least once a year to check for small cracks or moisture buildup.
• Make sure your plumber checks the inlet and overflow during installation or servicing.
• Keep the surrounding area clear of tree roots or heavy vehicles that could stress the structure.
• Clean gutters and filters regularly to prevent overflows or blockages.
• Have your tank professionally emptied and serviced every few years to remove sediment and detect hidden issues.

With proper care, you can extend the lifespan of your water tank and avoid costly repairs later.

The Experts Behind Every Reliable Fix

At Water Works, we specialise in professional water tank repair, leak detection, and maintenance across Auckland. Our team of Registered Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers and SiteWise Certified experts ensure every project is handled safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard.

When you call us, you can count on:

• 24/7 emergency plumber response for urgent leaks, burst pipes, or unexpected water system issues.
• Accurate leak detection and professional fixing leaks solutions.
• Full compliance with New Zealand plumbing regulations.
• Expertise in water tank systems, water storage setups, and hot water cylinder services.
• Reliable maintenance that prevents costly issues before they start.

Call us today on 09 884 4661 or book online to save $15. Don’t ignore the signs of water loss, trust Water Works to protect your tank, your property, and your peace of mind.