Signs You May Have a Hidden Plumbing Leak

A concealed leak has no drip to point at. It is identified from what it does to the building and to your water use, which is why it often runs for weeks before anyone investigates.

Water use that no longer matches the household

A bill that climbs without a change in routine is one of the more reliable indicators. Checking whether the water metre still moves when every fixture and appliance is off is a straightforward test.

Smell before sight

A musty or earthy smell concentrated in one room usually means material behind a surface has been damp for a while. It tends to arrive before visible staining.

Surfaces that change

Discolouration on a ceiling, a wall that feels cooler than those around it, flooring that lifts at a seam, or paint that blisters in one spot all indicate moisture from behind rather than spillage from in front.

What to do first

If the leak is running and you cannot isolate it at a fixture, close the main shut-off valve. It limits the damage while the source is traced.