Faults & Leaks

For all faults, leaks and difficulties contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on 1300 851 636.

Report a fault, leak or service interruption

If you have any a problem with your water or sewer service, or if you want to report a leak or burst, call our 24-hour number 1300 851 636.

In an emergency you can stop the flow of water to your house by turning off the stop tap at your water meter (see photograph for a typical example).

Your water meter is usually located close to the front of the property.

When reporting a fault, leak or service interruption it is helpful if you can provide the following information.

What we will ask you – Leaks

Is the leak inside your home or property boundary?

If the leak is inside your home or property boundary then the home owner is responsible. If you are the home owner, you should contact a plumber or your insurer, and if you are a tenant you should contact your landlord or property manager.

Have you turned off your stop tap?

You can stop the flow of water to your house by turning off the stop tap at your water meter.

Where is the leak?

If the leak is outside your property boundary then contact us on 1300 851 636. We need to know the location (street names and house numbers are useful).

What is the speed of the leak?

Try to assess the speed of the leak. Is it gushing, leaking or just trickling?

Is the leak affecting your water pressure?

Turn on your cold water tap to check if your water pressure has been affected.

Is it causing damage?

Try to assess the situation and whether it is an emergency.

Water Service Interruptions

Are your neighbours having the same problem?

Ask your immediate neighbours if they have the same problem to check if your property is the only one affected. If they do, it is likely that this is a mains water supply problem, in which case contact us immediately.

Sewerage (Wastewater) Service Interruptions

Has your property been flooded or is in danger of being flooded with sewerage?

Try to assess the situation and the urgency of your sewer issue.

Is your toilet blocked inside your home or property boundary?

If your toilet is blocked inside your home or property boundary then the property owner is responsible. If you are the home owner, you should contact a plumber or your insurer, and if you are a tenant you should contact your landlord or property manager.

Pressure Sewer System

Is your property serviced by a pressure sewer system?

If the alarm is activated the resident should contact South Gippsland Water on
1300 851 636 (24 hours, 7 days) and minimise the use of any in-house water fixtures until a South Gippsland Water representative attends the property.

There are a number of reasons why the pump control alarm may be activated.
These are set out in the “Your Pressure Sewer System – A Homeowner’s Guide” below.

Your Pressure Sewer System_A Homeowners Guide

How to read your Meter

You can keep track of the amount of water being used by members of your household by reading your meter regularly.

There is usually a cover flap over the meter face, this lifts up to reveal the counter, which has four black and three red digits, as shown below. The meter is read from left to right. The black figures measure kilolitres and the red figures litres. Where billing is concerned you only need to read the black numbers (on a white background) which measure the kilolitres. South Gippsland Water only bills for the amount of kilolitres consumed (1 kilolitre = 1000 litres). Reading your water meter regularly and keeping a simple record of your consumption can help you alter your consumption habits.

Reading Your Meter For Leak Detection

Reading your meter can also help you detect possible leaks. A simple check involves turning off all water consumption devices and taps on your property (don’t turn the tap or stopcock off at the meter) and look to see if the water meter is still recording. If it is, you may wish to consult a licensed plumber to investigate and carry out appropriate repairs.

To check for slow leaks read the meter before going to bed or before you leave the house for a number of hours (as many as possible) and then again when you wake up or return, before any water is used.

The red numbers can be read to see how much water your average shower, laundry cycle or dishwasher uses. Just make sure to turn off all other water using appliances to give you an accurate reading.

Undetected Leak Grant

South Gippsland Water provides assistance to eligible customers as a goodwill gesture, who experience an undetectable water leak at their property. Please contact us as strict criteria apply, such as unusually high volume of water recorded, the leak is not easily detected and the leak must be located and repaired by a licensed plumber.

An application must be received in writing including a brief explanation of circumstances and a copy of the plumbers invoice enclosed.