Clues
- Water bills rising without explanation
- The meter moving with all fixtures off
- Stains on ceilings and walls
- Warped or soft floors
- Musty smells
- Peeling paint
- The sound of running water when all is off
Checks you can do
- Read the meter, wait an hour, read again.
- Dye test toilets.
- Check under sinks with a flashlight.
- Look at the water heater base.
Tracing leaks: our method
Once you suspect a leak, we start with the meter and isolate the water heater, the toilets and outdoor lines. Moisture meters, thermal cameras and, when needed, acoustic listening devices narrow the search. We open walls only once the leak is pinpointed, keeping repairs small.
Many leaks we trace start at fittings that were disturbed during an earlier renovation, so mention any recent work when you call.
Hot-water leaks often give themselves away as a warm patch on a tiled floor or a section of carpet that feels damp and tepid in the morning. Cold-water leaks near exterior walls may show up as frost or condensation lines in winter. Note where and when you see these clues; timing helps point to the branch involved.
Related
See leak detection, reading your water meter and pipe leak repair.
Keep-handy checklist
- Turn the main shut-off a quarter each way once a year so it never seizes
- Hang a flanged plunger and a pail beside the basement floor drain
- Shine a light under each vanity and kitchen sink every spring and fall
- Pencil the install date on the water heater and the sump pump
Your questions, answered plainly
Can a leak push my bill up much?
It can, and a running toilet is the usual culprit.