Hidden water leaks are among the sneakiest and most damaging plumbing troubles. They’re like a thief, slowly draining your wallet and damaging your property. Sometimes, they lurk behind walls or under floors, making it tougher to spot them until they’ve caused a lot of damage.
But here’s the good part: you don’t have to be a premier plumber or have an arsenal of fancy plumbing tools to catch the leak on time. By staying tuned in to the simple leak clues, you can tackle them early and save yourself some serious headaches (and expenses).
Doug The Plumber lets you in on the telltale signs of hidden leaks at home in this guide.
Unexplained Water Bill Inflation
If your water bill suddenly spikes and you haven’t been using more water than usual, it could be a sign that you’ve got a hidden leak somewhere. You might not notice small leaks right away, but they can really add up over time— just like how a small leak can accumulate into more than 6,300 gallons of water in one month. That’s like wasting over 3,000 toilet flushes!
To check, compare your current bill with past ones. If it’s significantly higher, it’s worth investigating. You can also check your water meter: turn off all the water in your home, and if the meter is still running, you’ve got a leak in your hands.
Sound of Running Water
If you hear the sound of running water but no faucets are on, it’s a pretty good sign there’s a leak somewhere in your plumbing. It’s often hard to pinpoint exactly where the leak is, since it could be hidden behind a wall or underneath the floor. But if you keep hearing trickling or running water even when everything is off, it’s time to start investigating your plumbing. A leak might be hiding in a place you can’t see, but trust that it’s still making itself known with that sound.
Warped Ceilings and Walls
Are you noticing sag in your ceiling or peeling paint on your walls? Over time, water can seep into the materials around them, causing ceilings and walls to warp, sag, or even bubble up like they’re about to burst. This happens when water has been dripping for a while and soaking into the drywall.
If you spot cracks, bulges, or soft spots in your ceiling or walls—especially around areas where plumbing runs—there’s a good chance water has been at work. Drywall that feels spongy or soft is a sure sign that it’s been affected by water damage.
Water Pressure Issues
If you’ve noticed that your water pressure has suddenly dropped in your shower or faucets, it might not just be an issue with your fixtures. A slow, steady leak somewhere in your pipes could be to blame. When water escapes through a leak, there’s less pressure reaching your fixtures, which makes your shower feel weak or your sink water flow sluggish.
To check for this, turn off all water sources in your home and check your water meter again. If the meter’s still moving even though no water is being used, a leak is likely causing the issue.
Mold Growth
Mold loves moisture! So if you spot fuzzy black spots, a musty smell, or patches of mold around your bathroom, kitchen, or basement, it’s a strong indicator that there’s been excess moisture from a hidden leak. Mold thrives in dark, damp places like behind walls, under sinks, or in corners of rooms that don’t get much air circulation.
If you see mold, it means the leak has likely been around for a while. The longer it sits, the worse the problem can get, so it’s important to take action quickly.
Stay Leak-Free with Doug The Plumber’s Trusted Leak Services
No one wants the hassle of dealing with water leaks, especially when they’re hidden and hard to spot. But catching the signs early can make all the difference, and with a little help from your local Plumber, you can get those leaks fixed before they cause major damage.
At Doug The Plumber, you’re guaranteed durable and convenient leak detection, water line repair, and maintenance services. Our leak solutions work with all types and sizes of leaks, no matter how deep they may run. With one phone call, our team will be at your home to accurately find the issue and plug it before it causes any more inconvenience to your day.
So, don’t wait until that silent drip turns into a flood. Call Doug the Plumber today to keep your home leak-free!
