1. Hidden Plumbing Leaks Inside Walls or Floors

The most common cause of a sudden high water bill is a hidden plumbing leak—especially in:

• bathroom walls

• kitchen floors

• behind cabinets

• under tiles

• inside ceilings

These leaks often start small, dripping continuously for weeks or months without visible signs.

Why Hidden Leaks Are Common in Dubai

• High water pressure in many communities

• Aging pipes in older villas

• Hot temperatures causing pipe expansion and contraction

• Construction settling and pipe joint loosening

Even a tiny 0.5 mm hole in a pipe can waste up to 15–20 liters per hour, creating a massive water bill with no visible damage.

How Leak Detection Solves It

Modern leak detection uses:

• Thermal imaging to spot cold water behind walls

• Acoustic listening devices to detect water flow under floors

• Moisture meters to identify damp areas

• Endoscope cameras for pipe inspection

This allows professionals to find the exact leak location without breaking tiles or walls unnecessarily.

2. Running Toilets: The Silent Water Wasters

A running toilet can waste hundreds of liters per day, and most people don’t notice it. Even a small internal leak inside the tank can increase your monthly bill drastically.

Common Toilet Leak Symptoms

• Toilet makes noise when not in use

• Water ripples inside the bowl

• Tank fills randomly

• Slight hissing sound behind the toilet

Why Toilets Leak

• Worn-out flapper valve

• Faulty fill valve

• Tank cracks

• Improper installation

How Leak Detection Identifies It

Technicians use dye tests, pressure tests, and internal tank inspection to find toilet leaks quickly. Repairing the part usually solves the issue immediately.

3. Dripping Taps and Faulty Mixers

A single dripping faucet can waste over 600 liters per month—and most homeowners ignore it, thinking it’s minor.

Why It Happens

• Worn washers

• Faulty cartridges in mixers

• High pressure damaging tap internals

• Corroded valve seats

How It Affects Water Bills

Drips may seem small, but they add up fast, especially when multiple taps are affected.

Leak Detection Approach

A technician measures flow loss and pressure variations and then repairs or replaces faulty tap components.

4. Underground Leaks in the Garden or Outside Water Lines

Many Dubai villas have underground pipes feeding:

• garden irrigation

• outside taps

• car wash areas

• water tanks and chillers

These areas commonly suffer from leaks that remain unseen because the pipes are buried.

Signs You Have an Underground Leak

• Wet patches in the garden

• Increased water consumption even when you’re away

• Low water pressure in the house

• Green patches appearing in dry areas

Professional Detection Methods

• Ground microphones

• Soil moisture scanners

• Pressure drop testing

• Thermal imaging for underground networks

This allows pinpointing the leak without digging up the whole garden.

5. Malfunctioning Water Tank Float Valve

If your water tank’s float valve is stuck or faulty, water keeps filling and overflowing into the drain—wasting massive amounts of water without you noticing.

Symptoms of Tank Leaks

• Tank refills too frequently

• Water spilling near roof drains

• Pump runs more than usual

Float valve issues are extremely common in Dubai due to temperature changes and scale buildup.

Leak Detection Solution

Technicians test the tank mechanism, inspect the float valve, and measure inflow/outflow rates to detect abnormal usage.

6. AC Drain Line or Chiller Line Leaks

In Dubai, where AC runs almost year-round, AC drain lines and chiller pipes are a major source of hidden water leaks.

Common Causes

• Clogged AC drain line

• Condensation overflow

• Damaged chiller insulation

• Cracks in drain pipes

These leaks are often mistaken for “normal condensation,” making them hard to catch without proper inspection.

How Leak Detection Helps

• Thermal cameras reveal cold condensation spots

• Moisture sensors detect wall dampness

• Flow meters measure abnormal drainage

7. Irrigation System Leaks

Automated irrigation systems often develop leaks in:

• solenoid valves

• sprinkler lines

• drip irrigation hoses

These systems run at night, so leaks go unnoticed, but the water bill increases significantly.

How Leak Detection Solves It

• Pressure testing irrigation zones

• Soil scanning for dampness

• Valve inspections and line tracing

8. Old or Damaged Pipes

In older Dubai villas (built before 2010), pipe corrosion, joint failure, and pipe fatigue are extremely common.

How Old Pipes Increase Water Bills

• Tiny micro-leaks form

• Water seeps into walls

• Pressure drops, causing pumps to run more

• Hidden leaks worsen over time

Leak Detection Technology Used

• Acoustic detection

• Pipe scanning radar

• Thermal cameras

• Pressure mapping

9. Faulty Water Meter or High Pressure in the System

Sometimes the problem isn’t inside your home.

Water Meter Issues

• Faulty readings

• Incorrect calibration

• Meter running when water is not used

High Water Pressure

Dubai communities often supply water at very high pressure. This damages pipes, taps, and mixers—causing leaks that increase your bill.

Leak Detection Approach

• Pressure gauge testing

• Meter flow analysis

• Valve and regulator inspection

10. Leaking Water Heater or Boiler System

Water heaters can leak from:

• pressure valves

• tank cracks

• pipe connections

Hot water leaks waste water and electricity, increasing your DEWA bill even more.

Leak Detection Tools Used

• Thermal scanning

• Moisture meter

• Acoustic leak detection