How to Find a Water Leak in Your Home
Unexplained increases in your water bill, damp spots on walls or floors, musty odors, or the sound of running water when all fixtures are off : these are all signs of a hidden water leak. Here’s how to find it.
Step 1: The Water Meter Test
- Turn off all water fixtures and appliances in your home
- Read your water meter and note the exact number
- Wait 2 hours without using any water
- Read the meter again : if it has moved, you have an active leak
Step 2: Visual Inspection
- Check under all sinks for moisture, staining, or warped cabinet bottoms
- Look behind the toilet for condensation or wax ring seepage
- Inspect the water heater for rust stains or pooling in the drain pan
- Check washing machine hoses for bulging, cracking, or dripping
- Examine ceilings below bathrooms for stains or bubbling paint
Step 3: Check Less Obvious Sources
- Irrigation system : broken sprinkler lines can waste thousands of gallons underground
- Pool equipment : check pump, filter, and plumbing connections
- AC condensate line : trace the drain line from the air handler to its exit point
When to Call a Professional
If the meter test shows a leak but you can’t find the source, you likely have a slab leak or hidden pipe failure. WrightWay provides electronic leak detection services that pinpoint the exact location without destructive exploration. Call (941) 379-8669.
