How Do I Find Hidden Water Leaks?

Our water bill was extremely high this quarter. There are no obvious signs of a leak. How can we find possible hidden water leaks?

There are a few different ways you can find hidden water leaks. First, check for hidden leaks using your water meter. Turn off all the water in your home and record the number on your water meter. Wait at least 20 minutes, return to check your meter again. If the meter reading has changed, that means you have a leak.

If you want to try to locate the leak, check the tank parts of your toilets, especially the flapper valve; look under kitchen and bathroom sinks; look for drips from your bathtubs and showers. You should also check for puddles around your water heater, as well as possible leaks in your washing machine hoses.

It is also possible you have a leak outside of your home. Check outside spigots and irrigation systems for hidden plumbing leaks as well.

How to Detect a Water Leak Using Your Water Meter:

Our water bill keeps increasing, but we can’t find any leaks in the usual places. What does this mean?

If you do not find any obvious leaks from your water-using appliances, you most likely have a hidden plumbing leak. Signs of hidden leaks in your plumbing system include: mold or mildew, damaged paint or wallpaper, damaged walls or flooring, stains on ceilings, or a persistent musty or earthy smell. If this is the case, we recommend calling your local Roto-Rooter plumber immediately to prevent any further damage to your home.

If you need a professional to check for hidden leaks, you can rely on Roto-Rooter’s leak repair professionals to locate the area and repair water leaks in and around your home.