At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we provide expert leak detection and water leak repairs—carried out by licensed professionals with over 100 years of trusted plumbing experience. We find the source fast and fix it properly,
with no guesswork.
Not all water leaks are easy to spot—but if left unresolved, they can cause serious and expensive problems. From leaking pipes behind walls to underground mains or roof cavities, undetected water loss leads to rising bills, mould growth, and long-term structural damage.
In homes, leaks can affect floors, ceilings, cabinetry, and wall linings—often going unnoticed until visible damage appears. On farms and commercial sites, water loss puts pressure on pumps and tanks, wastes resources, and disrupts operations. Even a small leak can escalate quickly, resulting in costly emergency plumbing repairs.
Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas provides expert leak detection and repairs to stop water damage early. We use accurate tools and proven methods to locate the issue and repair water leaks properly, with minimal disruption to your property. Here’s what we do during a typical water leak service:
Need help with a water leak? Contact us today to book a fast, accurate repair and stop the damage before it spreads.
Water leaks can be hard to spot, especially when hidden behind walls or underground. But there are warning signs that point to a problem. Ignoring them can lead to damage, high water bills, and health risks.
Damp Spots or Stains on Walls and Ceilings
Visible watermarks, soft spots, or discoloured patches on walls and ceilings often indicate a leak behind the surface. These signs are especially common near bathrooms, kitchens, and hot water cylinders where plumbing is concentrated. Over time, damp areas can cause paint to peel, plaster to swell, and timber to weaken. If left untreated, this type of hidden leak can lead to mould growth and structural damage.
Sudden Drop in Water Pressure
A noticeable drop in water pressure from taps, showers, or hoses may indicate an underground water leak. This often results from a cracked pipe or a loose connection, particularly in older plumbing systems. In rural setups that rely on tanks or pumps, a pressure drop could also point to a leak in the underground supply line. Ignoring low pressure and continuing to use the system can strain appliances and limit water availability.
Unexplained Increase in Water Use
If water usage spikes without any change in household habits, it’s often due to a leak somewhere in the system. This might be a slow, continuous leak that’s hard to see — such as a faulty toilet valve, a leaking fitting under the house, or an underground break. Over time, the wasted water can add significantly to utility costs. Monitoring water meter readings can help confirm if a leak is present.
Mould or Musty Smells Indoors
Persistent dampness caused by leaks can create ideal conditions for mould and mildew. These often produce a musty smell that lingers, especially in areas with poor ventilation like cupboards, wall cavities, and underfloor spaces. Mould growth is not only damaging to surfaces but can also affect indoor air quality and cause health issues. If odours persist after cleaning, a hidden leak may be the cause.
Noticed any of these? Call our team now. At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we offer fast, accurate leak detection and pipe repairs using the latest tools and techniques. Get water issues sorted before they become costly.
Water leaks may seem small at first—but the damage, waste, and costs can build up fast. Fixing them early keeps your property safe and your water system running efficiently. At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas,
we use the right tools and methods to get the leak sorted properly the first time.
Fixing leaks early is one of the easiest ways to prevent damage, reduce water bills, and avoid costly repairs. Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas provides certified leak detection and expert water leak repairs to help you stay ahead of hidden plumbing issues. Get leaks sorted before they lead to bigger problems.
Whether it’s a leaking pipe, faulty fitting, or hidden underground issue, water leaks can cause serious damage if ignored. We provide fast, accurate leak detection and repairs to identify the source and stop the problem early.
At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we use proven methods and quality parts to repair leaks properly—without delays or unnecessary damage.
At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we keep the process simple and efficient. Our team finds the cause of the leak, fixes it properly, and makes sure everything’s working before we leave.
We’re trusted by homeowners, farmers, and commercial property managers across the South Island. When it comes to leak repairs, we know accuracy, speed, and experience make all the difference—and that’s exactly what we deliver.
Malcolm RossTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very prompt on the Friday after hours call out as Landlords we appreciate such service and very good work on a major project during the year. Very professional approach Md. HasanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. You are best plumbing service. Thank you so much for servicing David AllpressTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't praise Tuffnells enough for the quality of their work. They are utterly reliable and so prompt in dealing with anything needing urgent attention. My thanks to a superb team! Gordon FletcherTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service from a professional tradesman. Thank you. Annette MeadTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great people to deal with they help Us out with a water leak carol symeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very prompt and reliable service.100 percent recommend.
Water leaks won’t fix themselves — and the longer they’re left, the more damage they can cause. Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas offers fast, accurate leak detection and repairs handled by licensed professionals. With over 110 years of experience and a large team ready to respond, it’s service you can count on.
Yes, leaks behind walls or under floors can be accurately detected using specialised equipment. At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we use acoustic detection to listen for pipe noise changes, water pipe tracing to follow the path of hidden lines, and ground penetrating radar to scan through surfaces without causing damage.
These tools help pinpoint the exact location of the leak without unnecessary cutting or digging. Once located, the leak is repaired quickly and properly by a licensed plumber.
Fixing a leaking pipe usually costs between $180 and $650, depending on the location and extent of the damage. Simple repairs to exposed pipes are on the lower end, while leaks inside walls or underground may cost more due to access and labour. At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we provide upfront pricing after inspecting the issue, so there are no surprises. All repairs are carried out by licensed plumbers using reliable parts and methods.
If you find a water leak—whether it’s a damp patch, a dripping pipe, or a leaking toilet—turn off the water supply if possible to limit damage. Then, call Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas to arrange a fast inspection and repair. We offer 24-hour emergency plumbing repair, so help is available any time the problem appears. The sooner it’s looked at, the easier it is to fix and the less risk there is to your property.
Yes, Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas provides commercial plumbing services for leak detection and repair in buildings of all sizes. Whether it’s a significant leak affecting water supply or a hidden issue behind walls or floors, our team has the tools and experience to locate and repair it quickly. Accurate detection helps prevent water damage, downtime, and higher running costs. Services are available across Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough, and northern Buller.
Most water leak repairs take between 1 to 3 hours, depending on the location and complexity of the problem. Leaks in accessible areas are quicker to fix, while those behind walls or underground may require more time. At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we assess the leak first and provide a clear estimate before starting any work. We also offer 24-hour emergency plumbing repair for urgent leaks.
Providing trusted plumbing, drainage, and gasfitting solutions across the Nelson and Tasman regions for over 110 years.
Our team of licensed professionals is committed to fast, reliable service backed by industry expertise and local knowledge. Whether you need emergency plumbing, hot water repairs, or expert drainage solutions, we’re here to help — whenever you need us.