What is a hidden water leak?
A hidden water leak is a leak in a pipe you cannot see, so the water goes unnoticed while it soaks into walls, floors, or the ground. Most start small, at a fitting, a worn joint, or a pinhole in an old pipe. The longer they run, the more they damage, so it pays to know the signs. Catching one early is the best way to keep pipe repair for your Eau Claire home small.
What are the signs of a hidden leak?
Look for changes you cannot explain. One sign on its own may be nothing, but two or three together usually mean water is escaping somewhere.
- Higher water bills with no change in how you use water.
- A musty smell that stays in one room or near one wall.
- Stains or bubbling paint on walls or ceilings, often with a yellow or brown ring.
- Warped or soft flooring, or baseboards that swell and pull away.
- The sound of running water when every tap is off.
- Lower water pressure across the whole house.
- A wet or unusually green patch in the yard over the water line.
Seeing two or more of these? Call (715) 800-0086.
How do I test my water meter for a leak?
The water meter test is the simplest way to confirm a leak. If the meter moves while no water is being used, water is escaping somewhere between the meter and your taps.
- Turn off every tap and make sure the washer, dishwasher, and ice maker are not running.
- Find the meter, usually in the basement near where the water line enters.
- Note the reading, or watch the small leak indicator (often a triangle or star) on the dial.
- Wait one to two hours without using any water.
- Check again. If the reading changed or the indicator is turning, there is likely a leak.
Where do hidden leaks usually start?
Hidden leaks tend to start where pipes are joined, where they pass through cold spots, and where water sits under pressure all day.
| Where | What to look for | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Under sinks and behind toilets | Damp cabinet floor, loose or wet supply line | Tighten or replace the supply line; call if it keeps leaking |
| Inside walls behind showers | Stains, loose tiles, soft drywall on the other side | Call to have the pipe checked |
| Basement ceilings and walls | Drips along pipes, white crust on fittings | Call before the fitting fails |
| Outdoor faucets | Water inside the wall after a freeze | Shut the inside valve and call |
| Underground water line | Soggy yard, low pressure, meter moving | See water line repair and call |
What should I do if I find a leak?
If you can see water or the damage is growing, shut off the main water valve. See how to find your main shut-off valve. Keep clear of any water near outlets, move things away from the wet area, and take photos. Then call so a local plumber can find the source and repair it.
For leaks you can already see, our page on leaking pipe repair in Eau Claire explains what the plumber does. If the signs point to the line from the street, see water line repair.
How can I catch leaks early?
- Read your water meter once a month and compare.
- Look under sinks and around the water heater every few months.
- Check basement pipes for drips and white or green crust on fittings.
- Do the toilet dye test once or twice a year.
Think you have a hidden leak? Call (715) 800-0086.
What else do people ask?
Can a hidden leak raise my water bill even if I see no water?
Yes. A slow leak inside a wall, under a floor, or in the underground line can run all day without showing. A steady rise in your bill with no change in use is one of the most common signs.
How do I check my toilet for a silent leak?
Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank and wait about 15 minutes without flushing. If color shows up in the bowl, the flapper is letting water through and should be replaced.
Is a musty smell always a leak?
Not always, but it is worth checking. A musty smell in one spot, especially near a bathroom, kitchen, or basement wall, often comes from damp materials behind the surface.
Should I open the wall myself to find the leak?
It is better not to. Cutting into a wall without knowing where the pipe runs can damage the pipe or wiring. A local plumber can narrow down the spot first.
What if the leak seems to be outside?
A soft, soggy patch in the yard or low water pressure through the whole house can point to the water line from the street. See our water line repair page for what to do.