.png){kind=small}
Mid-North Coast Leak Detection Specialist
A hidden leak can waste thousands of litres and cause real damage before you ever see it. AVP Plumbing finds it fast — using acoustic detection, thermal imaging and pipe location technology — without tearing up your property to do it. Based in Forster, servicing the Mid North Coast from Smiths Lake to Wingham.
Our Services
Acoustic
Detection
.png)
Specialist listening equipment picks up the sound of a leak through the pipe itself — sensitive enough to pinpoint an underground leak’s exact location without digging up your yard to find it.
Pipe
Location
Before we can find a leak, we need to know exactly where the pipe runs. High-frequency radio equipment locates the position and depth of underground pipework, so we know precisely where to look — and where not to dig.
Thermal
Imaging
A portable infrared camera scans walls, ceilings and floors for heat and hidden moisture patterns invisible to the eye. We use it before, during and after every leak investigation to confirm what’s really going on.
CCTV Drain Inspection
.png)
HD cameras give us real-time vision inside your stormwater and sewer drains — showing cracked, collapsed or root-affected pipe exactly where it’s occurring, so nothing is left to guesswork.
Moisture Meters
Instant, accurate moisture readings across timber floors, gyprock walls and ceilings. A fast first check that tells us where to focus the rest of the investigation.
Inspection Cameras
Portable high-resolution cameras get eyes into ceiling cavities, wall spaces, cabinetry and under floors — spotting moisture, rot, staining and mould that would otherwise stay hidden.
Blocked
Drains
Recurring blockages, gurgling toilets, water backing up where it shouldn’t — we clear them, and we find out why they keep happening, whether it’s tree roots, a collapsed pipe or years of build-up.
Water Pressure Testing
A drop in water pressure is often the first sign of a leak in your pipes, valves or fittings. We test it early to catch problems before they become expensive ones.
Drainage
.png)
Rising damp, pooling water, flooding around the house? We install and repair sewer, stormwater and ground drainage systems that move water away from your home for good.
Why AVP Plumbing
Local knowledge that actually matters
There's a difference between a city plumber making the drive out and a team that knows the North Coast. We know which suburbs have ageing terracotta pipes that fail at the joins, where coastal sand movement causes ground drainage problems, and which housing stock is prone to slab leaks. That knowledge saves you time and money on every job.
Modern diagnostic equipment
We've invested in HD CCTV drain cameras, thermal imaging cameras, acoustic leak detection gear and tracer gas equipment because they let us find problems faster and with less damage to your property. It's how we keep call-outs short and quotes accurate.
Upfront pricing — always
You'll get a clear, written quote before any major work begins. No surprises, no creeping scope, no "we found something else while we were down there." We tell you what we're going to do, what it will cost, and we stick to it.
Built for trade as well as residential
Around half our work is for residential owners. The other half is for builders needing pre-handover CCTV inspections, real estate agents needing fast pre-sale reports, strata managers needing scheduled drain maintenance, and other plumbers sub-contracting our diagnostic equipment. If you work in the trades, we know how you operate.
Who we work with
Where we work
AVP Plumbing is the Mid North Coast’s leak detection specialist, based in Forster. Our coverage runs from Smiths Lake and Boomerang Beach in the south, through Forster, Tuncurry, Old Bar and Harrington, and inland to Gloucester, Taree and Wingham.
What Our Clients Say
Rob Clifton
"As a local carpenter and small business owner my reputation is important. When organising jobs i need to know i can trust that tradesmen are going to show up and get it done. AVP plumbing is this for me.
They are reliable and easy to work with, even when things don’t go exactly to plan. They get in, get it done and do what they say they’ll do. AVP is my trusted local plumbing contractor."
Ruth Stringer
"Alex has done a few plumbing jobs for us. His work is of excellent quality and he keeps us well informed. We have been really pleased with his work. We have found his fees to be very reasonable. We recommend him for all manner of plumbing work."
Robert H
"Alex answered my phone calls straight away and came quickly, repaired and connected my water tank without fuss at Coomba Park.
I recommended him to my neighbour that evening. Next morning his leak was fixed too. I have since recommended Alex to another neighbour whose plumber did not respond to calls. This is the second time Alex has helped me."
Common Questions
Q: Do you offer emergency plumbing?
A: Yes. We respond to plumbing emergencies — burst pipes, sewer backups, major leaks — across our primary service area. Call 0414 720 197 and we'll let you know how quickly we can be there.
Q: How much does a CCTV drain inspection cost?
A: Final price depends on access, length of pipe to be scanned, and whether a report is needed for a builder or real estate agent. We give you a written price before we start.
Q: Can you find a leak without breaking my walls?
A: Yes — that's the point of leak detection. Using thermal imaging, acoustic listening equipment, and where needed tracer gas, we can pinpoint a hidden leak with no demolition. Only the small section over the leak itself needs to be opened up to repair it.
Q: What areas do you cover?
A: Hawks Nest to Coffs Harbour, with our fastest response in Forster, Tuncurry, Pacific Palms, Smiths Lake, Hallidays Point, Old Bar, Hawks Nest, Tea Gardens, and Taree.