From High Water Bill to Problem Solved: How We Saved a Sea Point Property Owner Time, Money, and Stress
There's nothing quite like that sinking feeling when you open an unexpectedly high water bill. That's exactly what happened to Wendy Bloom on a Saturday morning in early May when she discovered her Sea Point rental property had racked up a massive water bill – but there were no visible leaks anywhere.
What followed was a perfect example of how the right expertise, equipment, and approach can turn a stressful situation into a swift resolution. Let me walk you through exactly what happened and how we work to solve these puzzling water mysteries.
The Sunday Message That Started It All
Wendy contacted us through our website on Sunday – the day after receiving that shocking bill. By Monday morning, I was on the phone with her, and before 10:30 AM that same day, I was able to be at her Sea Point property with my equipment ready to get to the bottom of the mystery.
Every day a leak continues is money literally flowing down the drain luckily we were able to fit Wendy in quickly and get to work on figuring out the problem.
The Detective Work Begins
When I arrived at the property, I started with what we call a comprehensive visual inspection – essentially becoming a water detective. I checked every tap, every visible pipe, and observed the water meter carefully. Interestingly, when I watched it closely, the meter wasn't actively spinning, but it would register flow when taps were turned on, confirming the system was working correctly.
Systematic checks: Pressure Testing
The next step was to isolate different sections of the property's plumbing system. I separated the main house from the staff quarters and installed a pressure gauge on a garden tap to test the underground pipework. This is where things got interesting – the pressure dropped very quickly, confirming we definitely had a leak somewhere in the system.
Think of it like testing a bicycle tire – if you pump it up and the pressure drops fast, you know there's a hole somewhere. The question is: where?
High-Tech Leak Hunting
This is where our specialized equipment really shines. I deployed a combination of trace gas detection and electro-acoustic sound transmission – two of the most advanced leak detection technologies available.
The trace gas method involves introducing a safe, environmentally friendly nitrogen-hydrogen mix into the plumbing system. This gas escapes through even the tiniest leaks and can be detected with precision equipment, allowing me to literally follow the trail to the source.
Combined with acoustic detection – using sensitive sound equipment to "listen" for the subtle sounds of water escaping – I was able to zero in on the exact location of the problem.
The "Found it" Moment
The culprit? A leaking geyser valve in the staff quarters – specifically, the expansion overflow on a 400kPa pressure reducing valve. It was hidden inside a boxed panel, completely invisible to the naked eye, but our equipment led us straight to it.
This is exactly why professional leak detection matters. Without the right tools and experience, this leak could have continued for months, costing hundreds or even thousands in wasted water charges.
Beyond Just Finding – Providing Solutions
Finding the leak was only part of the job. I provided Wendy with a comprehensive report the very next day, complete with photographs and detailed recommendations. This wasn't just about replacing one valve – I identified five specific improvements to bring the installation up to standard and prevent future problems:
- Replace the faulty pressure reducing valve
- Install an isolation valve for easier future maintenance
- Add a vacuum breaker to prevent backflow issues
- Install an anti-siphon loop
- Properly route the temperature and pressure safety valve
The Results That Matter
Wendy's testimonial says it all: her plumber was able to act immediately based on our detailed report, the problem was fixed before the next billing cycle, and even her insurance company was impressed enough to pay our bill in full within a week.
But beyond the technical success, what I'm most proud of is how we transformed a stressful situation into a manageable solution. From Sunday's panicked website message to Tuesday's comprehensive report – that's how leak detection should work.
I had the most wonderful service from your company (Atlantic Leak) when I had a possible leak at my tenanted home in Sea Point. I received a very high water bill on 3 May 2025 (Saturday), contacted you with a message on your website on Sunday, got a call from Werner the next day early morning and he was at the house before 10.30 that morning!
He not only did an outstanding job but sent me a comprehensive report the next day. This meant that my plumber was immediately able to fix the problem and save me accumulating a high bill for the following month. Santam must have also been impressed because I received my insurance payment in full for your bill on 12th May.
Congratulations on running an efficient and effective company and many thanks for so quickly attending to a most stressful situation.
Wendy Bloom - Sea Point, Cape Town
Your Water Mystery Awaits
Every high water bill tells a story, and with over 30,000 hours of hands-on experience and cutting-edge equipment including thermal imaging, gas detection, electro-acoustic systems, and pipe cameras, I'm here to help you solve yours.
Think you might have a leak? Don't wait for next month's bill to confirm it. Fill in our form today and let's get to the bottom of your water mystery – quickly, professionally, and with the precision that saves you time and money.
