Knowing how to detect water leaks early is essential for protecting your home, saving money, and avoiding unnecessary stress. Water leaks often start small and hidden, going unnoticed until they’ve caused significant damage to your property and increased your water bill. Fortunately, spotting leaks doesn’t always require professional tools or extensive plumbing experience. By learning a few key signs and simple tests, you can quickly identify potential leaks before they turn into costly problems.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the common signs of water leaks, simple DIY detection methods, and when to call in professionals for hidden leaks—helping you stay ahead of plumbing issues before they escalate.
Common Signs of Water Leaks in Your Home
Before actively testing for leaks, it’s important to recognise the warning signs. Some leaks are obvious, like dripping taps, but others remain hidden behind walls or underground. Here are the most common indicators of a water leak in your home:
- Unusually high water bills – A sudden spike in your water bill without a change in usage is a strong sign of a hidden leak.
- Damp patches or discoloured walls – Dark spots or stains on walls, ceilings, or floors often suggest leaking pipes behind them.
- Mold growth and musty odours – Persistent dampness from leaks creates the perfect environment for mold, leading to unpleasant smells and potential health risks.
- Reduced water pressure – If your taps or shower pressure seems weaker than usual, a leak could be diverting water away from your plumbing system.
- Sounds of running water when taps are off – If you hear dripping or water movement when everything is turned off, it’s a sign there may be a hidden leak.
- Frequent plumbing issues – Blocked drains, slow-draining sinks, or unusual noises from pipes can sometimes indicate underlying leaks. If you’re experiencing ongoing drainage problems, it’s best to get blocked drains and pipes checked before they lead to more significant damage.
Recognising these early warning signs allows you to take action before a small leak turns into a major problem.
How to Detect Water Leaks Using Simple Tests
Once you’ve spotted potential signs of a leak, the next step is to confirm it. Fortunately, you don’t always need professional equipment—these simple tests can help you detect water leaks on your own:
Check Your Water Meter
Your water meter is one of the best tools to confirm whether you have a leak. Here’s how to use it:
- Turn off all water appliances and taps in your home.
- Check your water meter and take note of the reading.
- Wait at least an hour without using any water, then check the meter again.
If the reading has changed, it’s a sign of a leak somewhere in your plumbing system.
Toilet Leak Test
Toilets are one of the most common places for hidden leaks. A quick test can confirm if your toilet is leaking:
- Add a few drops of food colouring to the toilet tank.
- Wait 15–20 minutes without flushing.
- If the colour appears in the toilet bowl, it means water is leaking from the tank.
Inspect Fixtures and Appliances
Regularly check taps, sinks, and appliances like dishwashers and washing machines for signs of dripping or pooling water around their connections. Even small leaks can worsen over time and lead to significant water wastage.
If you suspect a leak inside your plumbing system, visual inspections alone may not be enough. In these cases, using CCTV pipe inspections can help pinpoint leaks without the need for invasive digging, allowing for quicker and more precise solutions.
Hidden Leaks—Underground and Behind Walls
Not all leaks are easy to spot. Some leaks occur behind walls, under floors, or even underground, making them difficult to detect without professional equipment. Here are some signs that you may have a hidden leak:
- Unexplained damp patches or puddles – If you notice wet spots forming on your lawn or driveway, an underground leak could be the cause.
- Soft or overly green patches of grass – A water leak can saturate the soil, making certain areas of your garden unusually lush or spongy.
- Warm or cold spots on floors or walls – Temperature changes in your flooring or walls can indicate a leaking pipe behind the surface.
- Cracks in walls or foundation – Long-term water leaks can weaken your home’s structure, leading to cracks or shifting foundations.
Finding hidden leaks often requires advanced detection methods like thermal imaging, acoustic detection, or moisture meters. If you suspect an underground or concealed leak, it’s best to call in a professional before it causes further structural damage.
Preventing Future Water Leaks and Protecting Your Home
Once a leak has been detected and repaired, taking proactive steps can help prevent future plumbing issues. Here’s how to protect your home:
Regular Plumbing Maintenance
Routine inspections of your plumbing system can catch small issues before they turn into bigger problems. Check for leaks under sinks, around appliances, and near exposed pipes at least a few times a year.
Insulate Your Pipes
In colder months, unprotected pipes can freeze and burst, leading to significant water damage. Insulating pipes reduces the risk of cracks and leaks caused by temperature fluctuations.
Install Preventive Devices
Preventive plumbing solutions, such as backflow prevention devices, can help protect your water supply from contamination caused by unexpected leaks or pressure changes. If your home has an irrigation system or is at risk of backflow issues, consider installing a backflow prevention device to safeguard your plumbing.
Know When to Call a Professional
While DIY maintenance can help prevent leaks, some issues require expert knowledge and equipment. If you notice persistent damp spots, mold, or rising water bills with no clear cause, it’s time to call a professional to investigate.
Get Professional Help with Leak Detection in Perth
Detecting water leaks early can protect your home, save you money, and provide peace of mind. However, some leaks—especially hidden ones—can be difficult to locate without professional expertise and specialised equipment.
If you suspect a leak but need expert help to find and resolve the issue quickly, Kenec Plumbing and Gas offers reliable, professional leak detection services across Perth.
Don’t let hidden leaks cause further damage to your home. Contact Kenec Plumbing and Gas today for expert leak detection in Perth.
