Pool Specialist Service — Cairns
Pool Leak
Detection Cairns
Losing water from your pool? We pressure test your return and suction lines to confirm the leak, then use an acoustic listening device to pinpoint it precisely — with minimal disruption to your property.
Pressure tested to confirm leaks
Acoustic listening device
Minimal excavation
Local Cairns experts
What we detect
Return & Suction Line Leaks
Pool plumbing leaks can be difficult to locate without the right equipment. We specialise in detecting and locating leaks on the two most common underground pipe systems in pool plumbing — the return lines and the suction lines.
Return lines
These pipes carry filtered, treated water back from the pump into your pool via the return jets. A leak on a return line can cause unexplained water loss and affect chemical balance.
Suction lines
These pipes draw water from the pool’s skimmer box and main drain to the pump. Leaks on suction lines can also introduce air into the system, leading to pump and circulation problems.
How do I know if my pool has a leak?
A small amount of water loss through evaporation is normal in Cairns’ tropical climate — but a leak is something else entirely. Here are the common signs your pool has a leak in the return or suction lines.
Water level dropping faster than normal evaporation
Air bubbles appearing in the pool from the return jets
Pump losing prime or running noisily
Wet or soggy ground around the pool equipment or pipe runs
Unusually high water bills from constantly topping up the pool
Chemical imbalance that is difficult to maintain
Our Process
How we find your pool leak
Initial assessment
We inspect your pool system, equipment, and visible fittings before any testing begins. This gives us a clear picture of the pipe layout and likely problem areas.
Pressure testing
We pressurise the return and suction lines to confirm a leak is present and identify which line is affected. This step is essential — it tells us exactly where to search before any digging takes place.
Acoustic location
Using our acoustic listening device, we walk the pipe run and listen for the sound of water escaping under pressure. This allows us to pinpoint the exact location of the leak underground.
Report & repair
We mark the exact leak location and discuss your repair options. We can repair on the spot or provide a detailed written quote for your records or insurance claim.
Technology
Acoustic listening device
Our acoustic listening device is purpose-built for detecting leaks in pressurised underground pipes. When water escapes from a pipe under pressure, it creates a distinct acoustic signal. Our device amplifies this sound, allowing our technician to trace the pipe run and identify the precise leak location.
This technology removes the guesswork entirely. Rather than excavating along an entire pipe run, we dig only where the leak is confirmed to be — saving you time, money, and unnecessary damage to your property.
Combined with a pressure test that confirms the leak before searching begins, our acoustic detection process is thorough, accurate, and efficient.
High-tech acoustic equipment
Acoustic listening device
Detects the acoustic signature of water escaping under pressure through pipe walls — even when buried deep underground beneath concrete, pavers, or soil.
- Works on all pipe materials commonly used in pool construction, including PVC and flexible pipe.
- Pressure testing always conducted first to confirm the leak and identify the affected line.
- Pinpoints the exact location so excavation is kept to an absolute minimum.
- Used on return lines and suction lines — the two most common sources of underground pool leaks.
Benefits of our pool leak service
Pressure test first
We confirm the leak before we search — so you are never paying for guesswork.
Pinpoint accuracy
Our acoustic device locates the exact leak spot, avoiding unnecessary excavation.
Minimal disruption
We only dig where we need to — your pool area and surroundings stay as intact as possible.
Stop water loss
Pool leaks can cost you hundreds in wasted water. We find and fix them fast.
Repair on the spot
In most cases we can carry out the repair on the same visit, getting your pool back up and running quickly.
Detailed report
We provide a full written report of findings — useful for insurance claims, body corporates, or rental property records.
Pool leak detection FAQ
We only excavate at the exact location confirmed by our pressure test and acoustic listening device. In most cases this means a very small, targeted dig rather than opening up an entire pipe run.
The return line carries clean, filtered water back into the pool from the pump. The suction line draws water from the pool’s skimmer box and main drain to the pump. Both run underground and can develop leaks over time.
Pressure testing confirms a leak is present and identifies which pipe is affected before we begin searching. This means we are not wasting time listening along a pipe that has no leak — saving you money and getting to the answer faster.
This depends on your individual policy. We recommend contacting your insurer first and providing them with our details. We are happy to liaise with your insurance company and can provide a written report of our findings to support your claim.
Yes — we service all areas of Cairns including Cairns City, Yorkeys Knob, Smithfield, Palm Cove.
Think your pool has a leak?
Don’t let it cost you more. Call Mr Leak Detection today — we’ll pressure test your lines and use our acoustic listening device to locate the leak accurately and efficiently.