General Plumbing Thorneside
Licensed plumbing and gas for Thorneside homes on Waterloo Bay and Tingalpa Creek. Leaks found and fixed, and help working out whether a high reading is your plumbing or the meter.
Is it the meter, or a leak?
When a Thorneside water bill jumps, the first thought is often that the meter is wrong. Before blaming it, it’s worth checking whether water is going somewhere on the property. The meter belongs to Redland City Council, which reads it every three months where possible and charges the owner for the water it records.
Council treats a meter as accurate if it records within plus or minus 5%. Meters can slow down with age, and if one stops recording, council estimates your use from previous or current usage instead.
If you suspect the meter is faulty, council asks you to rule out plumbing problems on the property first, using your own tests. Only then can you request a quote for an independent accuracy test.
Checking your plumbing first
A simple test: turn off every tap and water-using appliance, note the meter reading, wait without using any water, and read it again. Any movement means water is flowing somewhere: a toilet cistern, a dripping hot tap, a pool or tank top-up, or a leak underground.
If the meter itself does go to an independent test, council replaces it with a new factory-certified meter and sends the old one to a NATA-accredited laboratory. If it tests outside the tolerance, the testing fee is refunded and council adjusts your account for the last 12 months based on your normal usage.
And if the problem turns out to be a concealed leak, have it repaired by a licensed plumber. Council’s concealed leak policy may then allow some remission on the retail part of the water charge for the water lost. We find hidden leaks with electronic leak detection and repair them under QBCC licence 15504687.
Look after the meter while you’re at it. Council asks owners to keep it clear of plants, give meter readers safe access, and protect it from damage. It’s an offence to interfere with a council meter without written consent.
Frequently asked questions
Can’t see your question? Call us and we’ll talk it through.
Call 0418 871 269I think my water meter in Thorneside is wrong. What do I do?
Rule out a leak on your property first with a meter test. If there’s no leak, request a quote from Redland City Council for an independent meter accuracy test.
What happens if the meter tests as faulty?
Council refunds the testing fee and adjusts your account for the last 12 months, based on your normal usage.
How accurate does a water meter have to be?
Redland City Council considers a meter accurate if it records within plus or minus 5%.
Can I get a refund on water lost to a leak?
If a concealed leak is repaired by a licensed plumber, you may be eligible for some remission on the retail part of the water charge under council’s concealed leak policy.
Can I move or adjust my water meter?
No. The meter belongs to council, and it’s an offence to interfere with it without written consent. Changes to connections go through council.
General plumbing in nearby areas
Not listed? We probably still cover your area, so give us a call.
High water reading in Thorneside? Call 0418 871 269 to check for leaks.
Free quotes, and emergency callouts 24 hours a day.