Do I Have to Pay a Huge Water Bill after a Water Leak?

If you live in the Port Macquarie area and you’ve recently discovered a water leak at your property, you may be wondering what steps you need to take to fix the issue and whether or not you will have to pay the huge, unexpected water bill that you have received.

Water leaks can certainly be a nuisance, cause costly damage to your property, and increase water bills if not dealt with promptly, so it’s important to address them as soon as possible. Read on to learn how a leak will affect your water bill as well as a step-by-step guide to dealing with the leak as it happens.

Who Pays Water Bills in NSW?

There are several variables that will determine how a water bill is paid in NSW:

Tenants: If you are a tenant in New South Wales, it is generally your responsibility to pay for the water you use. Your landlord or property manager is typically responsible for paying any fixed charges, such as sewage or drainage.

If your property is individually metered for water, or if your landlord pays for your water usage on your behalf, they are required by law to install a water meter. If the property is not individually metered, your landlord may choose to charge you for the water you use or may include the cost of water in your rent.

It is important to carefully review your tenancy agreement and understand your responsibilities regarding water usage and billing. If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach out to your landlord or property manager for more information.

Homeowners: If you are the homeowner, you are responsible for paying for your water bills.

Who Pays the Unexpected Bill if There is a Leak?

Apartments: If you live in an apartment and you experience a water leak, the responsibility for paying damages and repairs may depend on the cause of the leak and the policies of your body corporate.

If the leak is due to a problem with the building’s plumbing or infrastructure, the body corporate or landlord may be responsible for paying damages and repairs. In this case, it’s a good idea to check with your landlord or the body corporate to determine who is responsible for paying for the repairs and any water bills.

Houses: If you are a tenant and you have caused the leak, you may be responsible for paying damages and repairs including the water bill. If the leak is due to a problem with the plumbing or built-in appliances in your house, your landlord may be required to pay.

If you are the homeowner and the leak is due to appliances in your building’s plumbing, you may receive a higher water bill if there is a leak causing an unusual increase in water usage. The specific circumstances and amount of the bill will depend on the issue and can be thousands of dollars.

If the leak is a result of a problem with your plumbing or fixtures, you may be responsible for paying additional charges.

The Port Macquarie Hastings Council may be able to support you in the case that you discover a leak that was hidden and caused a significant leak. This depends on your individual circumstances and will be considered case by case. Discover if you are eligible for assistance (https://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Residents/Water/Connecting-to-water-Section-305307-compliance) on their website here to start the process.

However, if the leak is due to a problem with the water main or other infrastructure outside of your home, you will not be financially responsible.

What to Do When You Find a Large Water Leak at Your Home

It’s important to act quickly to fix a water leak, regardless of whether you are responsible for paying for the damages and repairs. A water leak can cause damage to your house or apartment and surrounding dwellings and can lead to higher water bills. If you experience one, follow these steps:

Step 1. Turn off the water supply

The first thing you’ll want to do is locate the main water supply valve and turn it off. This will help prevent further damage from the leak.

Step 2. Call a plumber

As soon as you have shut off mains water you will need to call a professional plumber that is licenced with local accreditations. Some plumbers respond to 24/7 call-outs for emergencies such as leaks and can provide fast and reliable service to fix the problem as soon as possible. Make sure that the plumber you choose offers comprehensive paperwork and evidence of the work completed. You may need this as evidence.

Step 3. Contact Your Council

As soon as you have organised a fix, contact the local council to find out if you can be eligible for bill relief and discuss what is needed to find out if you can adjust your huge bill so that you are not financially disadvantaged by the situation.

Step 4. Monitor your water usage

After the leak is fixed, it’s important to keep an eye on your water usage to ensure there are no further issues. If you notice a sudden increase in your water bill or continued leaks, it may be a sign that there is another problem that needs to be addressed.

Step 5. Take preventative measures

To avoid future water leaks, there are a few preventative measures you can take. These include regularly checking and maintaining pipes and appliances, fixing any small leaks as soon as they are noticed, and being mindful of your water usage.

We are Your Local Water Leak Experts in Port Macquarie

Dealing with a water leak can be stressful, but by following these steps, you can fix the issue quickly and minimise any damage to your property.

If you have any questions or need assistance with a water leak in the Port Macquarie area, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Carrick Plumbing & Roofing. We have the experience and knowledge to help you get your leak fixed and get your property back to normal as soon as possible.

We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency call-outs and repairs, give us a call on (02) 6581 4589.