You can usually recognize a hidden water leak by small clues: stains or bubbling paint, a musty smell, a higher water bill, or the sound of running water when nothing is on. One clue alone may not mean much, but two or three together are worth checking.
Clues on Walls, Ceilings, and Floors
Look near bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas. Watch for:
- Yellow or brown stains
- Paint or wallpaper that bubbles or peels
- Baseboards that swell or pull away
- Floors that feel soft or look warped
Clues You Can Smell or Hear
A musty, earthy smell often means moisture has been sitting somewhere for a while. At a quiet time, listen near walls and cabinets. A faint hiss or drip with every faucet off can point to a supply line leak.
Clues on Your Bill
A water bill that climbs without a change in how you use water is a common sign. In a house or a unit with its own meter, you can turn off all water and watch the meter for a few minutes. If it moves, water is escaping. In large buildings with one meter, this test will not work for a single unit, so ask your building staff instead.
Simple Checks You Can Try
Toilets are the most common silent leak. Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank and wait about 15 minutes without flushing. Color in the bowl means the flapper is leaking. Also look under sinks and behind the washing machine for drips or damp spots.
If you still cannot find the source, avoid cutting into walls. You could hit a pipe or wiring. A plumber can use tools that pinpoint where the water is coming from and open only what is needed.
To talk about what you are seeing, call JPR Plumbing at (833) 603-1840. After the leak is fixed, a check of the rest of your water lines can give you peace of mind.