At O'Brien Plumbing Coffs Harbour, we’re often called to investigate plumbing issues that aren’t immediately visible. Recently, our team attended a property experiencing mysterious water pressure loss with no obvious signs of a leak.
What began as a routine inspection quickly turned into a more complex underground investigation.
The Challenge
When we arrived on site, the property’s water meter had been turned off. Once we restored the supply, the meter immediately showed water flowing — yet there was no visible water escaping anywhere on the property.
This strongly suggested that the leak was occurring underground.
The situation was further complicated by a number of large palm trees in the garden. If the leak was located beneath the trees, repairing the pipe could require excavation through established root systems, potentially damaging the landscaping.
To accurately locate the source of the problem, we arranged for a specialised leak detection technician to attend the property.
What We Discovered
Using advanced leak detection equipment, the technician confirmed two key findings:
Repairing the pipework in its current location would have required significant excavation through the tree roots, risking damage to the mature landscaping.
Our Solution
Rather than disturbing the established trees, our team designed an alternative water service route to restore the home’s water supply while protecting the garden.
Our technicians carried out the following work:
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Excavated a new trench from the water meter to the house, carefully routing around existing root systems
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Installed a new copper-to-poly connection at the water meter
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Laid 6 metres of poly pipe along the exterior perimeter of the property
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Reconnected the new water service to the existing copper pipework at the house
This solution allowed us to bypass the damaged section of pipe entirely, avoiding disruption to the trees and landscaping.
The Result
After installation, the system was slowly re-pressurised and thoroughly tested to ensure everything was functioning correctly.
Outcome:
✔ No leaks detected
✔ Water pressure fully restored
✔ Work area reinstated and site thoroughly cleaned
Another successful outcome for our team — resolving a hidden leak while protecting the client’s landscaping and established trees.
Experiencing Low Water Pressure or a Hidden Leak?
If you’re noticing low water pressure, unexplained water loss, or a constantly moving water meter, there may be an underground leak on your property.
The team at O'Brien Plumbing Coffs Harbour can help locate the issue and recommend the most effective repair solution.
📞 Contact us for expert leak detection and professional plumbing repairs.
Phone 1800 809 256
or
Submit Form HERE.