Sudden High DEWA Bill? Here's How to Check for a Hidden Water Leak
If your DEWA bill has jumped noticeably compared to your usual monthly average and nothing about your household's water use has actually changed, a hidden leak is one of the most common explanations. The good news is you can run a simple check yourself with nothing more than your water meter before deciding whether to call in a professional.
Why a Leak Shows Up on Your DEWA Bill Before You See It
Most hidden leaks — inside a wall, under a floor, behind a shower unit, or in an underground supply line — waste water continuously, day and night, whether or not anyone is home. DEWA bills water by consumption, so a leak that's been running for weeks adds up long before it becomes visible as a stain, a damp patch, or a drop in water pressure. A bill that's noticeably higher than the same month last year, or than your own recent average, with no obvious change in usage, is often the earliest warning sign available.
The DEWA Meter Test: How to Check Yourself
Start by turning off every tap, appliance, and irrigation or garden system on the property — washing machines, dishwashers, ice makers, and automatic sprinklers included. Locate your DEWA water meter, usually near the main entrance, in a meter room, or at the property boundary, and note the exact reading. Wait at least one to two hours without using any water at all, then check the meter again. If the reading has moved even slightly, water is flowing somewhere in the property despite everything being switched off, which points to a leak rather than normal household consumption.
What the Test Can and Can't Tell You
The meter test is a reliable way to confirm whether a leak exists, but it can't tell you where it is. Most hidden leaks are exactly that — hidden — inside a wall cavity, under tiled flooring, or in a pipe run you have no visual access to, which is why the meter can move steadily while nothing looks wrong anywhere in the property. This is also why guessing and opening walls on a hunch is rarely the right next step; it risks unnecessary damage without guaranteeing you find the source.
Meter test confirmed a leak but can't find it? Tesla Cure's non-destructive leak detection pinpoints the exact source without breaking walls or tiles.
Getting the Leak Found Properly
Once the meter test confirms water is being lost somewhere, a professional visit uses acoustic listening equipment and thermal imaging to trace the sound and temperature signature of the leak through walls, floors, and ceilings without opening them up first. This narrows the source down to a small, specific area before any tile or wall is touched, so the repair — whether it's a pipe repair or a waterproofing fix — targets exactly the right spot the first time.
FAQ
How much can a hidden leak add to a DEWA bill?
It depends entirely on the size of the leak and how long it's been running. A small, slow leak behind a wall might add a modest amount each month, while a leaking toilet fill valve or a burst section of pipe can waste hundreds of litres a day and show up as a sharp, sudden jump in consumption on your DEWA bill compared to your usual monthly average.
How do I do a DEWA meter leak test myself?
Turn off every tap, appliance, and irrigation system in the property, then find your DEWA water meter and note the reading. Wait at least one to two hours without using any water, then check the meter again. If the reading has moved, water is flowing somewhere in the property even though nothing is turned on, which points to a leak rather than normal usage.
The meter test showed a leak but I can't find it — what now?
That's the normal outcome for a concealed leak — most hidden leaks are inside a wall, under a floor, or in a section of pipe you can't see, which is exactly why the meter moves but nothing is visibly wrong. A non-destructive leak detection visit uses acoustic and thermal equipment to trace the exact location without needing to break tiles or open walls on a guess.