Make sure nothing in the house is using water, then find your water meter and note the reading. Wait an hour or two without using any water and check it again. If the reading changed, water is moving through the system somewhere, which confirms a leak exists before you go looking for its exact location.
A few fixtures account for most hidden leaks: toilets (drop food coloring in the tank and check if it appears in the bowl without flushing), the water heater and its connections, and the supply lines under sinks. These are quick to check and rule out before assuming the leak is somewhere less accessible.
Walk the house looking for damp or discolored patches on walls, ceilings, or flooring, a musty smell that will not go away, warped or soft flooring, or unusually green or soggy patches in the yard. The sound of running water when everything is off is also worth tracking down room by room.
Leaks inside walls, under a slab foundation, or in the underground line between the meter and the house are not visible and usually will not be found by inspection alone. These situations typically call for leak detection equipment to pinpoint the source without unnecessary digging or demolition, which is a good point to request a connection with a local provider.
Still dealing with this issue? You can request a connection with an independent local plumbing provider — there is no fee to submit a request.
Request a ConnectionRequest a connection with an independent local plumbing provider.
PlumbRoute is a referral service, not a plumbing contractor.