How To Spot Hidden Plumbing Leaks in Your Home

The last thing you want to encounter after a great day at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo in San Jose, CA, is a plumbing leak. Knowing how to spot hidden plumbing leaks is key to addressing the problem early and preventing further damage. The team of experienced plumbers at TRIO Heating, Air, and Plumbing has some tips about why it’s important to catch leaks early, common signs of hidden plumbing leaks, and more.

Why It’s Important To Catch Plumbing Leaks Early

Not only is catching leaks early the best way to prevent water damage from leaks, but there are many other reasons that catching this issue early is so important.

• Catching leaks early prevents water waste, which is better for the environment and may help to reduce your monthly water bill significantly.
• Finding and addressing the signs of a hidden plumbing leak early saves you money by helping you avoid more extensive and costlier repairs if the leak remains undetected.
• Certain leaks may contaminate your home’s water supply, so catching them early is the best way to make sure your water is clean and safe.
• Early detection also helps prevent mold growth that can lead to a variety of health issues.

Common Signs of Hidden Plumbing Leaks

Here’s how to tell if you have a water leak and some common hidden plumbing leak warning signs to look for.

• Sudden water bill increase: If your water bill is much higher than usual without a change in usage, there’s a good chance you have a hidden plumbing leak.
• Musty odors: Unpleasant, musty odors are often a sign of mold, which could be caused by leaky plumbing.
• Visible water stains: Discolored walls, ceilings, or floors with yellow or brown stains, or wet spots that are located around appliances, pipes, or plumbing fixtures, are a common sign of a hidden water leak.
• Peeling or bubbling paint: If your paint or wallpaper is bubbling or peeling, it may be due to water damage from plumbing leaks inside your walls.
• Low water pressure: A sudden, unexplained drop in water pressure is another common sign of a hidden plumbing leak.
• Foundation issues: Cracks or wet and/or warm spots on your floor are two common slab leak symptoms that may mean there’s a hidden leak present underneath your home’s foundation.

Top Places Where Hidden Leaks Happen in the Home

Knowing the top places where leaks occur is one of the best ways to understand how to find water leaks in your house.

• Pipes, particularly those behind walls or under sinks, are common areas where hidden leaks occur.
• If your home has hard water and you have a water softener, check near the drain connection and other fixtures attached to it.
• A leak may come from your toilet tank, its flush valve, or the toilet plumbing connections.
• Water pooling around your water heater can indicate a hidden leak in your hot water system.
• Loose or damaged connections and hoses attached to dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines are other common sources of a hidden plumbing leak.

How to Find Water Leaks in Your House

Remember these leak detection tips to help you find water leaks in your house.

• Visually inspect under sinks, near toilets and tubs, and around appliances to look for signs of leaks.
• Locate your water meter and check for movement after you turn off all faucets and appliances.
• Check for signs like water stains, bubbling paint, and musty odors, which may indicate you have a hidden plumbing leak.
• Review your water bills, and if there’s been a recent, unexplained change in consumption, consider contacting TRIO to schedule our professional leak detection services.
• Listen carefully for dripping noises or the sound of running water when appliances and fixtures are off.
• If you suspect a toilet leak, pour some food coloring into the tank, and if the bowl turns color without flushing, your toilet may leak.

The Role of Professional Leak Detection Services

While recognizing the signs of a hidden plumbing leak is helpful, using a professional leak detection service is the best way to determine the exact cause and location of the leak. This service plays a vital role in protecting your home and makes it easier to find plumbing issues early.

• TRIO’s professional leak detection service includes using advanced tools and techniques to accurately locate and identify the source of hidden plumbing leaks.
• Finding leaks early with expert leak detection keeps your home safe and helps you prevent more significant water damage.
• Scheduling routine leak inspections helps to protect your home’s plumbing system and appliances and extend their lifespan.
• Experienced plumbers know how to find plumbing leaks and can make expert recommendations about the next steps to make sure you repair and stop the leak permanently.

Preventing Water Damage With Early Detection

The sooner you can detect hidden plumbing leaks, the better you’re able to prevent serious water damage to your home and plumbing. Here are some proactive steps to take that will make finding and addressing leaks easier.

• Schedule routine inspections: Schedule routine plumbing inspections and water leak detection services to help you find leaks early before they turn into costly repairs or cause major damage.
• Use water leak detectors: Place water leak sensors under areas like sinks, near appliances and water heaters, and in your basement so you’re alerted to a leak as early as possible.
• Try smart water detectors: Consider purchasing a Wi-Fi-enabled device that sends leak alerts directly to your smartphone, so you always know when a leak is present, even when you’re not home.
• Pay attention to water consumption: Monitor your household’s water consumption and check your water bill each month to look for sudden spikes, which could mean you have a hidden leak.
• Perform DIY inspections: Regularly look under sinks, near appliances, toilets, and tubs, and anywhere else that plumbing is present, to help you locate water leaks or pooling water as soon as possible.

Schedule Leak Detection or Repair With TRIO Heating & Air Today!

TRIO Heating, Air, and Plumbing is a reliable provider of plumbing and leak detection services and water leak repair near you. Our team proudly serves customers in the greater San Francisco Bay Area with a commitment to excellence and community well-being. To schedule a professional plumbing inspection or leak repair service, contact us today!