How to Find a Water Leak in Your Home: A Complete Guide

That little drip, drip, drip behind a wall or under a floor isn’t just annoying; it’s the sound of your money literally going down the drain. Hidden water leaks are one of the most insidious problems a homeowner can face. They don’t just waste water—they can lead to astronomical utility bills, wood rot, mold growth, and structural damage that costs thousands to repair.

At Robillard Plumbing, we know that finding these elusive leaks can be tough. Here is our expert guide on how to find a water leak in your home and the single best trick for confirming a problem.

The Red Flags: 5 Signs You Have a Leak

If you’re wondering how to find a water leak using only your senses, pay close attention to these subtle warning signals your home sends. Don’t ignore these tell-tale signs:

1. The Skyrocketing Water Bill

This is often the first and most obvious clue. If your monthly water usage suddenly jumps significantly, but your habits haven’t changed (you didn’t fill a pool or host a massive party), a hidden leak is the most likely culprit. Even a slow toilet leak can add hundreds of gallons to your bill each month.

2. The Musty Smell and Damp Patches

If you notice a consistent, unexplained musty odor, especially in a basement, laundry room, or closet, it’s a huge warning sign. Mold and mildew thrive in the damp conditions created by a constant leak. You might also notice dark spots or discoloration on walls, ceilings, or flooring near plumbing lines.

3. Low Water Pressure

If your water pressure suddenly drops at one or two fixtures, it might be a clog. But if the pressure seems low throughout the entire house, it could mean a slab leak or another major break in your main supply line, diverting water before it ever reaches your faucets.

4. The Running Water Sound

If your house is silent and you can hear the faint sound of running water, dripping, or trickling near a wall or utility area, it’s time to investigate. The sound could be your toilet constantly trickling into the bowl or a pipe leaking inside the wall structure.

5. Foundation or Yard Changes

If the leak is in your main water line or a pipe running under your home:

• In the Yard: You may notice one area of your lawn that is perpetually lush, spongy, or even sinking when the rest of the lawn is dry.
• In the House: Cracks in your foundation or floors can sometimes indicate that water is undermining the soil beneath your home.

The Simple DIY Water Leak Confirmation Test

Before you panic, confirm that the leak is real using your water meter. This test is the most reliable way to know if water is escaping somewhere inside your system.

1. Stop All Water Use: Make sure every single source of water is turned off: toilets, faucets, washing machine, dishwasher, and irrigation systems.
2. Read the Meter: Locate your home’s water meter (usually near the street or in the basement). Take a reading of the numbers or note the position of the small red/black triangle or dial that indicates flow.
3. Wait: Do not use any water for at least 15 to 30 minutes.
4. Read Again: Check the meter. If the numbers have changed, or the dial/triangle is spinning, you have an active leak.

When to Call the Professionals at Robillard Plumbing

While you might be able to handle a simple, visible leak under a sink, a hidden leak—especially one confirmed by the water meter test—requires specialized equipment. Don’t try to tear open walls or concrete yourself!

At Robillard Plumbing, we specialize in non-invasive leak detection. We use special tools and techniques to pinpoint the exact location of a leak behind walls, floors, or concrete slabs with minimal damage to your home.

Whether it’s a tiny pinhole leak in a copper pipe or a serious break in your main line, our licensed and experienced team will:

• Accurately Locate the Leak: Saving you time and unnecessary demolition.
• Perform Expert Repair: Fixing the leak and restoring your plumbing integrity.
• Protect Your Home: Preventing further water damage and mold growth.

Don’t let the sound of money dripping away keep you up at night. If you’re still wondering how to find a water leak in your home, contact Robillard Plumbing today to schedule your professional leak detection and repair service!