A Hidden Water Leak Repaired Beneath a Busy Shopping Centre
The Problem
The shopping centre management became aware of unusually high water consumption after reviewing water usage records. Despite extensive inspections, no visible leaks could be found anywhere on the property.
Specialist acoustic leak detection confirmed the leak was located beneath the concrete access ramp leading to the disabled toilet facilities. Once the exact location had been identified, Deception Bay Plumbing was engaged to complete the excavation and repair.
The investigation revealed:
✔ Hidden under-slab water leak.
✔ Approximately 6,000 litres of water being lost each month.
✔ No visible signs of leakage above ground.
✔ Leak located beneath the disabled access ramp.
✔ Underground 25mm copper water service affected.
✔ Targeted excavation required to minimise disruption.
The Solution
After the leak location had been marked, our team carefully carried out controlled concrete saw cutting to expose the underground water service. By limiting excavation to the precise location of the leak, we avoided unnecessary demolition and significantly reduced reinstatement costs.
Once the concrete had been removed, the damaged section of the 25mm copper water service was exposed.
Inspection of the pipework showed the copper pipe had been installed directly over an existing earthenware drain. At the point where the two services crossed, the copper pipe had been bent against the drain. Over many years, continual contact appears to have resulted in a small pinhole leak, most likely caused by localised corrosion, vibration or a combination of both.
The damaged section of pipe was removed and replaced with new copper pipe and fittings before the system was pressure tested to confirm the repair was completely watertight.
Our repair process included:
✔ Controlled concrete saw cutting.
✔ Careful excavation.
✔ Exposure of underground services.
✔ Removal of damaged copper pipe.
✔ Installation of new 25mm copper pipe and fittings.
✔ Pressure testing.
✔ Backfilling.
✔ Temporary reinstatement pending final concrete works.
Equipment Used
✔ LeakTronics Professional Acoustic Leak Detection System
✔ Electronic Ground Microphones
✔ Digital Pressure Testing Equipment
✔ Underground Water Pipe Locator
✔ Concrete Floor Saw
✔ Jackhammer & Concrete Breaking Equipment
✔ Copper Pipe Press Tool
✔ 25mm Type B Copper Pipe & Press Fittings
✔ High-Pressure Water Cleaning Equipment
✔ Commercial Backfilling & Concrete Reinstatement Tools
The Outcome
Following completion of the repair, the shopping centre's water supply was fully restored and pressure testing confirmed the leak had been successfully repaired.
The repair immediately stopped the ongoing loss of approximately 6,000 litres of water every month while minimising disruption to tenants and visitors.
By accurately repairing only the damaged section of pipe, unnecessary excavation was avoided and the property owner was able to restore the water service quickly and cost-effectively.
Benefits of the repair included:
✔ Water leak permanently repaired.
✔ Approximately 6,000 litres of water saved every month.
✔ Minimal concrete removal.
✔ Reduced repair costs.
✔ Water supply restored.
✔ Pressure-tested repair.
✔ Minimal disruption to shopping centre operations.
Project Gallery
