A hidden leak can waste water and quietly damage your home for months. A few simple checks can confirm you have one and help narrow down where it is.
The meter test
Turn off all water in the house, then check your water meter. If it's still moving, water is escaping somewhere. Reading the meter, waiting an hour with no use, and reading again confirms a slow leak too.
Look for the clues
Watch for unexplained jumps in your water bill, damp spots or stains on ceilings and walls, warm spots on floors (hot-water lines), musty smells, and mould. Toilets are a frequent silent leaker — add dye to the tank and see if it appears in the bowl.
When to call a pro
Leaks inside walls, under slabs, or in supply lines often need a plumber with acoustic or thermal leak-detection tools. Catching and fixing a leak early is far cheaper than repairing the water damage it causes.