09-05-2025
The Block host Scott Cam reveals his go-to trick for uncovering hidden leaks... and the simple check could save homeowners thousands
Australia's favourite tradie, Scott Cam, has revealed his top tip for spotting hidden water damage in the home.
The longtime host of The Block says one of the most common issues Aussie homeowners face is neglecting their plumbing systems, particularly before going away on holiday.
"People are walking out the door for long European holidays without checking their gutters, their drains, or the flexi-hose under their sink, and they come home to (major) damage," Cam told News Corp.
"If you're home you can obviously turn the water off, but often these leaks happen while people are away."
Cam's warning comes off the back of new research by Allianz, which found that 84 per cent of Australian homeowners are not keeping up with regular maintenance checks- and 13 per cent admit they don't check at all unless something goes wrong.
"The stats are astounding," said Cam, 62.
According to the study, burst water pipes, many caused by faulty or ageing flexi-hoses, led to a staggering $864 million in insurance claims across the industry in the past year alone.
Backing up the findings, Water Leak Detection Australia noted that even a minor leak could lead to major damage over time.
"While a tiny leak might not seem like a big deal, over time, that drip adds up to litres of lost water, higher bills, and costly repairs," the company said in a statement.
"In Australia, water leaks sneak into homes and businesses, causing damage long before you even spot the problem.
"What begins as a silent drip behind a wall or under a slab can end in thousands of dollars down the drain."
They warned that insurance might not cover slow leaks if deemed to be the result of poor maintenance- potentially leaving homeowners to foot the bill for wall, ceiling, or even foundation repairs.
In some cases, families have been forced to move out entirely while the damage is fixed. Cam, who has fronted several Nine renovation shows since rising to fame on Backyard Blitz in the early 2000s, shared his personal trick for detecting a hidden leak.
"I recommend homeowners go to the water meter, mark the reading with a texta, and then make sure all water-using devices are turned off," he said.
"Come back a few hours later and check again. You'll know there is a hidden leak if the water reading has changed.
"Sometimes the meter might only move slightly, but it's a great way to see if you have a small drip somewhere.
The Melbourne-based father-of-three added that many maintenance checks simply come down to common sense.
"If it rains, go outside and see where the water is going. Under the sink, check those flexi-hoses," he said.
"We're trying to educate people."
And if you're feeling sheepish about not having done these checks before, Cam says don't worry- he probably wouldn't have either if he hadn't worked in the building industry.
"But since I do, I know that ignoring these small maintenance tasks can lead to big issues for your home and your wallet," he said.
