6 Signs You Have a Leak at Home

According to statistics, over 10% of households don’t know they have leaks. This costs around 90 gallons of water a day, which is over 1 trillion gallons nationwide. Although most leaks are easy to fix and find, many homeowners often find themselves lost.

With this data, water waste means spending thousands of dollars. Nobody wants to spend money on water they have never used, right? Imagine paying a high water bill and then paying more on fixing it. Knowing the early signs of a leak can save you from the hassle of expensive repairs. 

If you think you have an undetected leak around your home, learn the signs to look out for here!

1. Unexpected Increase in Water Bills

Did your water bill increase this month? That’s one of the very obvious signs of a leak. Compare your bills over the past few months to see if the increase is consistent. You can also check the pattern of your water bill if you think you didn’t use as much. 

Australian households typically use an average of 160-170 litres of water a day. If you noticed that your usage increased than usual, you may have an undetected leak.

2. Musty Smells

Smelling something musty? Leaks often lead to the growth of mould and mildew. They are typically located in hidden areas like behind walls or under floors. Finding mould can also help you identify where the leak is. 

In many cases mould would only need a day to grow and love to stay in areas where it’s damp. If you detect a persistent musty smell in certain areas of your home, it's worth investigating for a leak. 

3. Sound of Running Water

Do you hear constant dripping noise every night? That’s also another sign of water leak. A working plumbing system should be quiet, so other strange noises indicate a bigger problem. 

If you hear vibration or rattling sound, a water leak could be a cause of extensive damage you don’t see. When the house is quiet, pay attention to any sounds of running water even when all taps are turned off. 

4. Damp Spots or Stains

Some moisture is normal, especially if you’re using water in that area frequently. However, wet spots on your floor or wall is a sign of plumbing leak. Unexplained damp spots on your floors, walls, or ceilings can be a clear sign you need to check if there’s any leak hiding.

Constant drips on the ceiling can cause it to become saggy. If this continues, there’s a high chance your wall will collapse. If you notice spots and stains, it’s best to address them as soon as possible.

5. Cracks in Foundation

Water leaks can weaken structural materials over time, leading to cracks.These cracks can be a sign of a significant water leak causing damage to the integrity of your house. This may not be an issue at the early stages, but it affects your property as it weakens your floor and walls.

Another sign to look out for is you may also notice your paint peeling off because of constant exposure to water. It’s best to look for the leak to avoid ruining the paint all over your house. 

6. High Water Metre Readings

A definitive way to check for a water leak is to monitor your water metre. Turn off all water in your home and check if the metre continues to move. If it does, there's a high probability you have a leak.

What to Do Next?

If you've identified one or more of these signs at home, it's crucial to act quickly. Start by trying to locate the source of the leak, if possible. For visible leaks, simple DIY fixes might work, but for hidden or more serious issues, calling in a professional plumber is your best course of action! 

Remember, preventing leaks not only saves you money on repairs and water bills but also conserves water, contributing to environmental sustainability. Stay vigilant and keep your home leak-free.

We Can Detect Leaks!

After leak detection? We are your Local Plumber in Melbourne! We provide various plumbing services across all suburbs. Save more money with our plumbers. We can help you find undetected leaks and fix it right away using non-invasive methods. Give us a call at 03 9909 5307 or fill out our contact form. We’ll be in touch with you quickly!