Signs of a hidden water leak

What are the signs of a hidden leak?

• A water bill noticeably higher than the same month last year
• Stains, bubbling paint or soft drywall
• A musty smell that does not go away
• Warm or damp areas on a slab floor
• Mold in a place that is not normally wet
• Lower water pressure than usual
• The sound of water running inside a wall

How do I confirm a leak with the water meter?

• Turn off every faucet and water-using appliance
• Find the meter and look at the small leak indicator dial
• If it is turning, water is flowing somewhere
• If it is still, write down the reading, wait 30 to 60 minutes and compare

How do I narrow down where the leak is?

Close the main shutoff valve at the house and look at the meter again. If the meter stops, the leak is inside the house. If it keeps moving, the leak is in the service line between the meter and the house. Toilets are the most common indoor source: add food coloring to each tank and see whether color reaches the bowl.

Why should a hidden leak not wait?

Water inside a wall or under a floor feeds mold within days, rots framing and can undermine a slab foundation. Insurance often covers sudden leaks but not damage from one that was left to run.

When should I call a plumber?

Call when the meter test confirms a leak that you cannot find. A leak detection plumber uses pressure tests, acoustic listening and thermal imaging to mark the spot, so only a small area has to be opened for the repair.