The basics
Hidden leaks usually come from supply lines in walls and ceilings, drain joints under tubs and showers, or slow seeps at toilet bases and appliance connections. Because they are slow, the damage builds before anyone notices: rot, mould and stained finishes.
- Stains or bubbling paint on ceilings and walls
- Warped baseboards or lifting floor tiles
- A musty smell in one room or closet
- Higher water bills with no change in use
- A hiss or trickle in the walls with every tap closed
- A patch of floor that feels oddly warm, hinting at a hot line leaking beneath
Step by step
- Check the meter. Turn off every fixture and watch the meter for twenty minutes. Our meter guide shows how.
- Test toilets. Add food colouring to each tank and wait without flushing.
- Look under sinks. Feel supply lines and traps for dampness.
- Inspect appliance hoses. Washing machine, dishwasher and fridge lines fail with age.
- Check below bathrooms. Look at ceilings under tubs and showers for stains.
Time to bring in the shop
Call us when the meter moves with everything off, when stains keep spreading, or when you hear water you cannot find. Our leak detection service uses listening equipment, moisture meters and thermal imaging to narrow the search, so any hole we cut is small and lands on the leak.
What not to do
Do not cut into walls at random looking for a leak. One targeted opening is easier to repair than three guesses.
Asked at the shop counter
What is the quickest leak test at home?
Stop all water use and study the meter. Movement means a leak.
Can a leak be found without opening walls?
Usually not. Our tools narrow it down so one modest opening does the job.
Does home insurance cover hidden leaks?
Coverage varies, especially for slow leaks. Check your policy.
Questions about this job? Call (365) 413-9125 and talk to a plumber.