How To Find A Water Leak In The House
Plumbing problems, especially water leaks, are pretty common in homes—and if you don’t tackle them quickly, they can cause some serious (and pricey) damage. Think walls, floors, even the foundation of your house.
Some leaks are easy to spot, like dripping faucets or stains on the ceiling. But others? They’re sneaky, hiding behind walls or under floors, and you’ll probably need a pro to find them.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to find a water leak including common signs of water leaks, like sudden spikes in your water bill, musty smells, or hearing running water when everything’s off. Catching these early can save you a ton of money and keep your home in good shape!
Most Common Water Leaks
Wall Leaks (Hidden Sources)
Water leaks can leave your walls and ceiling looking discolored and stained, which isn’t just an eyesore—it can also mean structural trouble. If you spot stains on your walls or ceiling, there’s a good chance you’ve got a hidden leak somewhere, maybe behind the drywall or up in the attic. The water seepage will cause stains and possibly mold, which often shows up as dark spots and can be a health hazard thanks to allergens and toxins.Â
Mold and mildew spreads fast if ignored, making things worse for both your home and your health. That’s why it’s so important to act quickly—investigate and fix the problem to keep your home safe and comfortable.
Appliance Leaks
Appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and even refrigerators with ice makers can be sneaky culprits of water leaks. Over time, their hoses and drain lines can wear out, leading to small leaks that you might not even notice until they cause serious damage. If you’re dealing with water leaks, it’s worth having your appliances checked out by the experts at professional appliance repair in Sacramento to see if they’re the cause.
Water Heaters Leaks
Water heater leaks are pretty common but often go unnoticed. Over time, your water heater can wear out and rust from the inside, leading to small leaks that are easy to miss. If you ever notice a puddle of water near the bottom of your water heater, it’s a good idea to check for leaks.Â
Sometimes, it’s as simple as a loose pressure-relief valve—just tighten it up, and you might solve the problem! Need help? Check out our water heater services.
How to Diagnose a Hidden Water Leak
Find a Water Leak with These Simple Signs
Some leaks can be tricky to spot, especially the ones hiding behind walls, under floors, or even in your yard. They’re often caused by old pipes, shifting foundations, or extreme weather. So how do you know if you’ve got a sneaky leak?Â
Watch out for these signs: a sudden spike in your water bill, musty smells, or random lush patches in your lawn. If you notice any of these, it’s time to act fast. Here’s how you can track down those hidden water leaks:
Unexpected Increase in Your Water Bill
A sudden spike in your monthly water bill is often the first and most noticeable sign of a hidden water leak. This unexplained increase could indicate an issue within your plumbing system, such as a faulty pipe, dripping faucet, or a running toilet, all of which lead to excessive water usage and unnecessarily higher costs.Â
If your water bill rises significantly without any changes in household habits or water usage, it's crucial to investigate further. Ignoring the issue could lead to even more costly repairs or water damage in the future. Consider checking your water meter for irregular activity or contacting a plumber to locate the source of the problem.
Musty Odors
Musty odors are a common sign of potential water leaks and can be an early warning of hidden moisture problems. When water seeps into walls, floors, or ceilings due to a hidden leak, it creates an ideal environment for mold growth. This leads to the development of unpleasant, musty smells that can permeate your living spaces over time. These odors often occur even without visible signs of water damage, making them easy to overlook until the issue worsens.Â
Prolonged moisture can compromise the structural integrity of your home and lead to health risks from mold exposure. If you notice musty smells in any area of your home, it's essential to have a professional plumber inspect for hidden leaks and address the problem promptly.
Unusual Yard Growth
Outdoor leaks can be especially tricky to identify because they often go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. Plumbing leaks in outdoor pipes running through your yard can cause water to seep into the soil, resulting in pooling water or overly saturated areas. One clear indicator of an outdoor leak is uneven lawn growth.Â
If one section of your yard appears greener, healthier, or grows faster than the rest—especially during dry weather—it could be a sign of a water leakage issue in your sewer or irrigation pipes.
Left untreated, these leaks can lead to soil erosion, inflated water bills, and can even damage your property's foundation. Regularly inspecting your yard for unusual growth patterns, soggy spots, or standing water is key to catching outdoor leaks before they escalate.
New Help Finding or Repairing a Water Leak? That's What We Do.
Got a water leak at home? Don’t wait—acting fast can save you from bigger headaches later. Here’s what to do:Â
- Turn off the water supply: Locate your home’s main shut-off valve, which is often found near the water meter or where the main water line enters your home. Turn it off immediately to stop the flow of water and prevent further damage to your property. If you’re unsure where it is, check your home’s plumbing guide or contact a professional for help.Â
- Call a plumber: This isn’t the time for DIY fixes, as improper repairs can lead to more significant problems down the line. Reach out to a licensed plumber who can inspect the issue, determine the cause of the leak, and handle the repair professionally and safely. Acting quickly can help minimize damage and avoid costly repairs in the future.Â
- Document the damage: Use your smartphone to snap clear photos or take a video of the leak, surrounding areas, and any damage to your home or belongings. Be thorough, as this documentation will be invaluable if you need to file an insurance claim or discuss repairs with contractors. Having detailed records can make the claims process smoother and faster.
If you’re in the Greater Sacramento area, give Fix-it Rite a call. We offer water leak detection and water damage restoration services for your plumbing, water heaters and your major appliances. Contact us today to get started.