Silent Leaks
Silent Leaks | Toilet Upgrades and Replacements | Plumbing | Newcomb
From subtle hissing behind the wall to the slow swirl that never quite finishes, silent leaks can quietly drain both water and money. HEP’s licensed plumbers specialise in diagnosing these hidden culprits, then transforming outdated loos with precision toilet upgrades and replacements that suit the style of every Newcomb home. We pair water-saving cisterns with reliable, long-life components, so you enjoy a stronger flush, lower bills and the peace of mind that comes from knowing every drop is accounted for.
Whether you want a swift swap-out before guests arrive or a complete bathroom refresh, our team arrives on time, protects your floors, and cleans up so well you’ll only notice the difference when you pull the lever. Join countless neighbours who have already trusted HEP to handle their silent leaks and discover how effortless modern comfort can be with our expert toilet upgrades and replacements.
FAQs
How can I tell if my toilet in Newcomb has a silent leak?
A silent leak is a slow, constant flow of water from the cistern to the bowl that often goes unnoticed because there’s no audible running sound. The simplest way to test is the food-colouring test: add a few drops of food colouring to the cistern and wait 15–20 minutes without flushing. If coloured water appears in the bowl, you have a leak. Other signs include unexpected spikes in your Barwon Water bill, the cistern refilling when no one has flushed, or a thin ripple of water at the back of the bowl. Our plumbers can perform a pressure and dye test with professional equipment to confirm the diagnosis and pinpoint the faulty seal or valve.
What are the advantages of upgrading my old toilet instead of just repairing it?
Upgrading can save you money and water long-term. New WELS 4–5 star toilets use as little as 3 L per half flush and 4.5–4.8 L per full flush, compared with older toilets that can use up to 12 L per flush. Modern pans also feature improved trap designs to reduce blockages and better-glazed surfaces for easier cleaning. Many replacement cisterns have soft-close lids, dual-flush buttons and quieter fill valves. A full upgrade eliminates the recurring costs of repairing aging seals, inlet valves and corroded outlet rubbers, and increases the value and appeal of your property when selling or renting.
Which toilet models do Silent Leaks Plumbing recommend for homes and businesses in Newcomb?
We generally recommend high-efficiency suites from Caroma, Roca, and American Standard. Popular choices include the Caroma Luna Cleanflush (WELS 4 / 4.5 L) for its rimless design and easy cleaning, and the Roca The Gap BTW (WELS 4 / 4.5 L) for compact bathrooms. For commercial sites, the Caroma Profile Smart with an integrated hand basin saves both space and water by reusing basin grey water for the next flush. All recommended models are WaterMark-certified for Australian standards and come with at least a 10-year warranty on vitreous china and 3–5 years on internal parts.
How much does a toilet replacement cost in the Newcomb area and what affects the price?
A straightforward like-for-like swap generally ranges from $480–$750 including supply of a standard WELS 4-star suite, removal of the old unit, and GST. Costs rise if: (1) plumbing rough-in points need relocating, (2) flooring or tiling must be patched, (3) you choose back-to-wall or in-wall cisterns that require frame installation, or (4) you select premium design or smart-toilet features such as bidet functions and automatic lids. We always provide a fixed-price quote after inspecting the site, so you know the total before work begins.
How long will I be without a functioning toilet during the replacement?
A typical replacement takes 1.5–3 hours. We isolate the water to the cistern only, not the entire house, so other fixtures remain usable. Once the old suite is removed, we clean and inspect the flange, fit a new pan collar, install the new pan and cistern, and perform a pressure and leak test. If tiling repairs or in-wall frame installation are required, work can extend to 4–6 hours or be split over two visits to allow for drying times. We always schedule a convenient time and can supply a temporary portable toilet for households with a single bathroom if needed.
Do I need council approval, and will Silent Leaks Plumbing take away the old toilet?
For residential like-for-like replacements you don’t need City of Greater Geelong council approval, but Victorian regulations require the work to be performed by a licensed plumber who must lodge a Plumbing Compliance Certificate for jobs over $750 in value—something we provide electronically within 48 hours. For in-wall cistern installations or any work that alters structural walls, we’ll advise if a building permit is required. We remove and responsibly dispose of your old toilet at an EPA-approved recycling facility, diverting porcelain to aggregate recyclers for use in road base rather than landfill.