How to Find Hidden Water Leak in House

Did you know that a plumbing leak in your home can waste more than 10,000 gallons of water each year? Many Greenwood homeowners are unaware that they have a hidden leak because the signs are so subtle. If you’re unsure what to look for, a leak can go unnoticed for months and do serious damage in that time.

Below, learn how to find a hidden water leak in your house, then call us for plumbing services in Greenwood, IN.

How To Find a Hidden Water Leak in the House: Leak Detection Methods for Greenwood Homeowners

Unlike major leaks, which give telltale signs, hidden plumbing leaks are much easier to miss. That’s why it’s smart to check your home for leaks at least once a year, preferably more often. Here’s what to look for.

1. Perform a Water Meter Check

Testing your water meter is by far the most reliable way to detect hidden plumbing leaks. To perform the test, shut off the water supply for your home, then locate the water meter. It’s usually situated outside near the main water line, but may also be located indoors (for example, in the garage or basement).

Look at the reading on the meter. If the numbers on the meter keep increasing, you probably have a hidden water leak and need to call a plumber.

2. Check Your Water Bills

Have your water bills increased recently, even though you’re not using the water more than usual? Unless someone in your home is sneaking extra-long showers, you might have a hidden water leak.

There could also be a problem with your water meter; for instance, it may not be reading your water usage correctly. Most water companies will test your meter for you free of charge.

3. Listen for Running Water

Wondering how to find a hidden water leak in the house? Use your ears.

Take a walk around your house while listening for the telltale dripping sound of a leaky faucet or pipe. If a pipe has burst, you might hear the sound of water rushing behind a wall. It’ll sound similar to the sound your toilet makes after flushing. If you hear dripping or running water, call a plumber ASAP.

4. Look for Signs of Water Leaks Around Your Home

If you’ve had a hidden leak in your home for weeks or months, you’ll likely find water damage near the source of the leak. Check the walls, floors, ceilings, and baseboards for wet spots. Damaged surfaces may be soggy or smell like mildew. Areas damaged by leaks due to pipe corrosion can also turn yellow or brown.

If you see water damage, call a plumber right away. The longer you wait, the worse the damage will get.

About Greenwood, IN

With a population of nearly 64,000 people, Greenwood was incorporated in 1864 and features a rich and interesting history. The Electric Indianapolis Interurban Railway System drove expansion to the city in the late 1800s. The city also owes much of its growth to the J. T. Polk Canning Company, which for decades was one of the biggest canneries west of Baltimore.

Now that you’ve learned how to find a hidden water leak in your house, are you looking for a place to hang out while we work on your plumbing repair? Check out the Greenwood Community Center, a state-of-the-art facility featuring exercise rooms, STEAM-focused play areas for kids, and public courts for basketball, pickleball, and volleyball.

Locals love hanging out in Old Town Greenwood, featuring an array of family-owned shops, food trucks, concerts, and educational events, such as sushi-making classes and art lessons.