The very last thing anyone wants to deal with is a plumbing leak. Unfortunately, since most of our pipes are behind walls and underground, it’s quite common to have a hidden leak. On top of that, many people don’t realize these leaks exist until extensive damage (such as water damage and mold damage) has already taken place. The average household can waste up to 11,000 gallons of water per year due to hidden leaks!
Backed by over a decade of service experience, you can bet that Smith's Plumbing, Heating & Air has the technology, equipment, and know-how to locate and identify hidden plumbing leaks. From minor leaks to major pipe bursts, we have seen it all! To help you stay informed and hopefully prevent major damage to your home, we have outlined the signs that you have a hidden plumbing leak. Read on to learn more.
What to Look Out For
The best way for you to protect your home and avoid costly damage is to be aware of the signs that your home has a hidden plumbing leak.
These signs include:
Damaged floors, walls, or ceilings: Water-damaged floors, walls, and ceilings are often warped, sagging, drooping, or covered in stains. You might also notice that the paint is chipping off of your walls due to water coming into contact with and separating the paint from the wall surface. Peeling paint or wallpaper can also indicate that moisture is collecting behind the wall. Look for damp or discolored patches, bubbling paint, warped surfaces, and ceiling stains that may gradually become larger as the leak continues.
Extra-green patches of grass: Because pipes are often underground, it is not uncommon for a leak to affect your lawn. If you find that a certain area of your grass is growing faster than other areas of your lawn, there might just be an underground leak. You may also notice unusually soft, soggy, or muddy areas in your yard. These wet spots can indicate a leaking underground water line or irrigation pipe, especially when the surrounding ground remains saturated without recent rainfall.
Higher-than-usual water bills: If your water bill is much too high each month, and it doesn’t seem to match up with your actual water usage, something is definitely up with your system.
Mold or mildew: Since they thrive on moisture, mold and mildew are almost always present when there is a hidden leak. If you spot mold and mildew outside of your bathroom, you need to call in a plumber right away.
Continuously running meter: Your water meter should not be running all of the time. If you turn off all running water in your home and your water meter still shows that water is running, there is a leak somewhere in your system.
Bad odors: Standing water and continuously moist walls, ceilings, and floors will eventually form a musty smell in your home. If no matter how much you clean your home, you can’t seem to get rid of the funky smell, there might be a leak.
Low water pressure: A sudden or persistent drop in water pressure at faucets or showerheads may indicate that water is escaping through a damaged pipe before reaching the fixture. Although clogs and other plumbing problems can also cause low pressure, an unexplained change is worth investigating.
Sounds of running water: If you hear water moving through your plumbing when all faucets, appliances, and fixtures are turned off, there may be a hidden leak. Pay attention to sounds coming from behind walls, beneath floors, or near plumbing connections.
How to Check for a Hidden Plumbing Leak
One of the easiest ways to check for a hidden plumbing leak is to monitor your home's water meter. First, turn off all faucets and make sure water-using appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, are not running. Check the water meter reading and watch for any movement. If the meter continues to register water usage while everything is turned off, there may be a leak somewhere in your plumbing system.
You can also check toilets for hidden leaks using food coloring. Add a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank and wait approximately 10 to 15 minutes without flushing. If the color appears in the toilet bowl, water is likely leaking from the tank into the bowl, indicating a problem with the toilet's internal components.
Neither test identifies every possible leak, but both can help you determine whether your plumbing system needs further investigation.
Where Hidden Plumbing Leaks Commonly Occur
Hidden plumbing leaks can develop in several areas of your home, making them difficult to identify without a thorough inspection. Some of the most common places to check include:
Under sinks and behind toilets: Loose plumbing connections, worn seals, and deteriorating fittings can allow water to escape in areas that are not always easy to see.
Behind walls: Water supply pipes running through walls can develop cracks or corrosion, allowing moisture to accumulate behind drywall.
Beneath floors: Leaks in pipes installed below flooring can cause damp spots, warped materials, and unexplained moisture.
Basements and crawl spaces: Exposed plumbing lines, pipe connections, and other water supply components can develop leaks that go unnoticed in less frequently used areas.
Attics: Plumbing lines running through attic spaces can leak and cause moisture damage to insulation, ceilings, and surrounding building materials.
Check these areas periodically for moisture, discoloration, corrosion, and other signs of water damage. Identifying a problem early can help prevent more extensive repairs.
Professional Leak Detection Methods
Some plumbing leaks are difficult to locate using visual inspections or basic at-home tests. Professional plumbers use specialized equipment to identify hidden moisture and pinpoint leaks without unnecessary damage to walls, floors, or other surfaces.
Common leak detection tools include:
Electronic leak detectors: These devices use sound waves or vibrations to help identify water escaping from pipes, even when the damaged area is concealed.
Infrared cameras: Thermal imaging equipment detects temperature differences that can indicate moisture behind walls, beneath floors, and in other difficult-to-access areas.
Moisture meters: These tools measure moisture levels in building materials, helping plumbers identify areas affected by hidden water leaks.
Smart water meters: These devices monitor water usage and can help homeowners recognize unusual consumption patterns that may indicate a leak.
Using the right detection equipment allows plumbers to locate problems more accurately and recommend the appropriate repairs.
What to Do If You Suspect You Have a Leak
Upon noticing any of the above signs, or any other indications that you may have a leak, you need to call in a team of professionals. At Smith's Plumbing, Heating & Air, we have the proper tools and expertise to carefully inspect your plumbing system, locate any leaks, and implement the best possible solutions. Our leak detection, pipe repair, and re-piping experts deliver lasting results, every time.
If you discover an active leak, take steps to limit water damage while arranging professional service. If you can safely identify the nearest shutoff valve, turn off the water supply to the affected fixture or pipe. If you cannot isolate the leak, shut off your home's main water supply. Dry any accessible wet areas as soon as possible, using fans or dehumidifiers to help remove excess moisture. Water-damaged materials that cannot be dried or salvaged may also need to be removed to help prevent mold growth.
Trust us with all of your plumbing services and we guarantee you won’t regret it!
Reach out to our team at (901) 290-1110 or online to schedule service.
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