There are several ways to determine if you have a less obvious leak, such as:

• Your water pressure is weak.

• Damp patches on walls, ceilings, or floors, especially if the area has a known plumbing fixture nearby.

• Soggy or swampy lawn. This may include soft patches or sunken ground, extra green patches of grass not attributed to any other reason.

• Water bill is significantly higher; often, the local water service provider will reach out to alert you.

• Thriving mold and mildew patches. May be accompanied by a musty smell. These symptoms are common in bathrooms with insufficient ventilation.

Water pressure can be low for a multitude of reasons, including but not limited to:

• Clogged or faulty tapware, pressure regulators, valves.

• Leaky pipes.

• Water service provider issues.

• Too much usage is happening at the one time.

If you're experiencing low water pressure, you may need a licensed expert to diagnose the problem or begin a process of elimination until the issue can be identified.

• Is there water in the cistern? If yes, you may be able to activate the valve at the bottom of the cistern manually with your hands. Don't worry, it's clean water. Then notify your property manager that the cistern needs servicing.

• If there is no water in the cistern. Ensure the isolation valve (a small tap located on the wall under the cistern) is on. If you hear water beginning to fill the cistern, great. If not, contact your Property Manager to call a plumber. 

• If these solutions don't help and your toilet is not blocked, you can dump 5-10L of water into the toilet from a bucket to simulate a flush.

Most likely, there is a buildup of organic matter (hair, soap scum, grease). Try tipping jugs of boiling water down the drain to improve the issue. Then notify your property manager as the issue will soon return. If you have a plunger, this may also provide temporary relief.

There is a fault with the outlet valve. Notify your Property Manager as the toilet needs a service. If the water is running like a tap, you may like to isolate the water supply when the toilet is not in use to save water. 

• Try using a plunger. Place the plunger over the toilet’s drain hole, making sure it creates a tight seal. Giggle up and down in an attempt to "free" the blockage.

• The internet is great for home solutions if you do not have a plunger. Avoid any methods that include flushing or adding more water to the blockage unless you are certain the bowl has the capacity for it.

It's advised to notify your Property Manager as the issue will only get worse and is best addressed by a licensed plumber.

• Check for organic material lodged in the drain. Remove it and flush with boiling water. A plunger may be required for more stubborn clogs.

• Flush with baking soda and vinegar. Pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain. Follow with 1 cup of vinegar. Allow it to sit and fizz for about 15 mins. Then flush with water. You may like to try store-bought drain cleaners and follow the directions on the label.

• These solutions may not fix the issue or only temporarily provide relief. Better to notify your Property Manager, and a plumber will likely obtain commercial-grade sulfuric acid, only available to licensed plumbers.

• Please refer to our No Hot Water Troubleshooting guide.