Shaun Ridley never expected a routine plumbing call-out to turn into a viral sensation watched by over 1.2 million people on social media.
Armed with a shovel and a healthy dose of curiosity, the Gold Coast plumber found himself uncovering something far bigger than weak water pressure.
What he revealed beneath a suburban front yard has since sparked conversations about hidden plumbing dangers and escalating water bills.
Ridley, the owner of Moral Service, had been called to a Gold Coast home for a common complaint: water pressure that dropped to a dribble whenever another tap was in use.
After checking obvious culprits and ruling out the water metre, his instincts told him the problem might lie with the pressure reduction valve—a device designed to protect household fittings from excessive water pressure.
These valves are critical, but when they fail, homeowners often face far more than minor inconvenience.
'It's like a plumbing treasure hunt out here. Ah, man that feels good'
The Buried Valve Discovery
The discovery came when Ridley dug near the council metre box and uncovered a second valve box buried completely underground.
Inside was a faulty pressure reduction valve—the culprit behind the weak water pressure—and replacing it restored normal flow instantly.
For the homeowner, relief was immediate; for viewers, it was a lesson in how unseen plumbing issues can silently cost thousands of dollars.
Hidden plumbing failures don’t just affect pressure—they can lead to underground leaks wasting thousands of litres of water each year, often without the homeowner noticing.
Rising Water Bills Across the Country
Australians are already feeling the pinch from rising water costs.
In South Australia alone, the Energy & Water Ombudsman SA reported 427 grievances in 2024-25, with over half involving billing and nearly a quarter related to water supply problems.
At least 55,000 SA Water customers owe a combined $63 million in unpaid bills, highlighting the scale of the issue.
Water bill increases across Australia 2024-2025
South Australia: Average bills have risen by $85 annually to fund $1.5 billion in new infrastructure
Victoria: Melbourne households face increases of around $32 per year, with regional variations ranging from $12 (Barwon Water) to $80 (South Gippsland Water)
New South Wales: Typical households will see bills jump by $168 (13.8 per cent) this financial year, followed by $77 (5.1 per cent) annually until 2030, taking average bills from $1,220 in 2024-25 to $1,695 by 2029-30
The Hidden Leak Epidemic
These rises stem from exceptionally dry conditions, infrastructure upgrades, and maintenance of ageing water systems, creating pressure on households, particularly those on fixed incomes.
What makes hidden issues like Ridley uncovered so concerning is their potential to worsen quietly.
A small leak caused by a faulty valve might seem trivial, but over a year, a leak wasting just 10 litres per hour totals nearly 88,000 litres—costing hundreds of dollars in wasted water.
Major leaks, meanwhile, can suddenly appear and waste thousands of litres per day, sending bills soaring past $1,000 in extreme cases.
Early warning signs of hidden plumbing problems
- Sudden drops in water pressure when multiple taps are used
- Unexplained increases in water bills
- Damp patches in the garden or around the house foundation
- The sound of running water when all taps are turned off
- Water metre spinning when no water is being used inside the house
Detecting Issues Early
Homeowners can detect many issues early by observing their water metre.
Turn off all taps, appliances, and irrigation systems, and see if the metre still moves—any movement indicates a leak.
Pressure problems, like those in Ridley’s viral discovery, often show as consistent weak pressure, while fluctuating flow can point to broader supply issues.
Professional inspections cost $150-300, but catching problems early can save thousands of dollars in wasted water and repairs.
For those already facing high bills, contacting your water provider is crucial—most offer payment plans and hardship programs, including bill smoothing and free water efficiency audits.
State-based ombudsman services also provide free advocacy and dispute resolution for suspected billing errors or unresolved complaints.
The Value of Skilled Tradespeople
Ridley’s story underscores the value of skilled tradespeople who rely on experience and intuition to solve problems.
His willingness to dig literally and figuratively turned a potentially costly issue into a straightforward fix.
As water prices climb and infrastructure ages, having trusted local tradies is more valuable than ever, with routine maintenance helping prevent hidden plumbing disasters.
Building relationships with reliable plumbers before emergencies arise can save homeowners both money and stress over the long term.
What This Means For You
Hidden plumbing issues can quietly inflate water bills and even lead to serious property damage if left unchecked.
Spotting problems early—through simple water metre checks or professional inspections—can save significant money and prevent stress down the line.
With water costs continuing to rise, maintaining an efficient plumbing system has never been more important for keeping household budgets under control.
Experienced tradespeople are invaluable in identifying and resolving hidden issues, ensuring that small problems don’t turn into costly disasters.
If you thought rising water bills were just an occasional inconvenience, there’s a story that shows just how quickly costs can spiral out of control.
This next article breaks down real examples of household bills increasing dramatically due to hidden plumbing and supply issues.
It’s a helpful follow-up if you want to see how these situations can affect your own home and budget.
Read more: Pouring money down the drain? Oz faces massive water bill increases
Have you ever uncovered a hidden plumbing problem on your property that saved you from a bigger disaster?
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