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Last Updated on March 20, 2025 by Alaina
Water leaks can not only cost you a lot of money, but they can also damage your home. The problem is, most people don’t know the ways to detect a water leak that isn’t immediately obvious—like one that doesn’t involve a leaking radiator, visible pipe, or faucet.
There are some very effective ways for you to find out if you have a water leak without having to be an expert in home plumbing, however. If you are interested in finding out what some of these are, then this post has you covered.
Here are some easy ways you can determine if you have a water leak in your house.
Hire a Professional
Without a doubt, one of the easiest ways to detect a water leak in your house is to call a professional in. A professional can help you to identify, locate, and fix leaks. Find a plumber who specializes in water line leak detection, but also offers support with slab leaks and other types of leaks, too. A plumber’s reviews should tell you everything you need to know about them and help you to make a hiring decision.
When you are calling for a plumber’s support, it is very important to make sure you come up with a budget first. Some plumbers can be very expensive. However, expensive plumbers sometimes offer flexible repayment plans, designed to help homeowners resolve their issues without going bankrupt.
Check Your Water Bill
An indication you might have a water leak at home is rising water bills. If your water bills are higher than normal but you haven’t increased your water use, this could suggest a leak. Water bills are sometimes generated monthly, and sometimes annually. You need to get hold of monthly statements if you want to get a clear look into what is going on with your water.
You can request monthly statements directly from your water provider. Simply get in touch with them over the phone or via email and ask to change to monthly statements. Bear in mind that to receive monthly statements, you usually have to pay monthly, too. Many water companies will refund customers whose bills have been increased due to leaks and water loss, so if you do detect a leak, make sure you get in touch with your water provider and notify them of this. They will be able to work with you to get your account refunded and back on track.
Look for Signs of Dampness
Dampness is one of the first signs you have a leak. It can be hard to identify dampness if you haven’t been trained to, however. Look for dark spots on your walls. Dark spots are easier to spot on white walls, but you can still see them on dark walls, you just have to look harder. If you find any spots you think are damp spots, take a fork and gently prod the section of the wall you have identified. If it is damp, the fork will penetrate the wall easily.
One of the main signs of dampness is mold. It is worth noting, however, that mold can be caused by high indoor humidity levels, too. Mold does not necessarily mean there is a leak, but it can still be a strong indication of leaks. If you notice large amounts of black mold, get in touch with a professional and pay them to get rid of it for you. You shouldn’t try to tackle mold yourself.
Watch for Musty Smells
Musty smells and dampness go hand-in-hand. If there is dampness, there will be a musty smell to go along with it. Musty smells can also be a sign of mold. If you notice musty smells anywhere in your home, you need to get in touch with a plumber right away. The sooner you do, the more effectively you will be able to tackle the issue. A lot of people do not realize that by delaying repairs, they are making things worse.
As mentioned in the previous section, if you notice mold, you should not try to tackle it yourself. Trying to eliminate mold yourself can lead to you seriously injuring yourself. When you try to remove mold yourself, you are likely to release spores, which can infect your respiratory system, and spread elsewhere in your home. A mold removal service will be able to get rid of mold safely, effectively, and quickly. Mold removal services can be expensive, but they are definitely worth hiring, for your health and the health of your loved ones.
Look for Small Puddles
Small puddles of water can be another sign that there is a water leak in your house. If you notice puddles of water underneath pipes or radiators, then you are definitely dealing with a leak. Not all leaks are serious, but all leaks have the potential to become serious.
In addition to puddles of water, another sign of a leak is if your home’s boiler frequently loses pressure. Its system won’t be able to retain pressure if there is a water leak, which is why pressure will go. If you lose pressure more than once a week, you are definitely dealing with a leak.
Listen for Water Drops
Finally, listen out for the sound of water drops hitting the floor. A dripping noise is another clear sign you have a leak, and one you have to resolve right away. If a leak is constantly dripping, this shows it is serious and unabating, and means a plumber’s help is required right away.
It is especially important to call for help if the dripping sound is behind a wall. If it is behind a wall, you won’t be able to get to it yourself, so you need to take immediate action. Unattended leaks can get much worse very quickly, and if they are hidden behind walls, you might not know how much damage is really being caused. Remember that water dripping onto wooden floors or support beams can cause them to rot, which can compromise your home’s structural integrity.
Water leaks can be hard to detect if you aren’t a professional. If you suspect a leak, now’s the time to take action. Get in touch with an expert and ask for their help today. Use the guidance given above to find the right plumber for your home.