Leaks often start small, but even a slow, unnoticed drip can lead to costly repairs, water damage, mould growth, and skyrocketing bills. Professional leak detection is the safest way to find hidden plumbing problems, but there are several checks you can do yourself before calling in an expert. These simple steps can help you spot early warning signs, narrow down the source, and prevent a minor issue from becoming a major headache.

Check Your Water Meter for Hidden Leaks

One of the most effective DIY leak detection methods is using your water meter. Start by turning off all taps, appliances, and fixtures inside and outside your home. Once everything is off, check the meter. If the dial continues to move, or the flow indicator is spinning, you likely have a hidden leak somewhere on your property. This test only takes a few minutes and can reveal leaks you may not see or hear.

Inspect Taps, Fixtures, and Appliances

Many leaks come from worn washers, loose fittings, or ageing appliances. Do a quick walk-through of your home and check all taps, sinks, toilets, and water-using appliances. Look for:

• Drips or moisture around bases
  
  
• Water stains under sinks
  
  
• Rust, corrosion, or mineral buildup
  
  
• Puddles near dishwashers or washing machines
  
  

These signs often indicate small leaks that can be easily repaired before they escalate.

Look for Signs of Dampness or Water Damage

Water doesn’t always show up where the leak is located. Sometimes it travels along walls, floors, or ceilings before becoming visible. Keep an eye out for:

• Peeling paint or bubbling plaster
  
  
• Soft or swollen skirting boards
  
  
• Musty odours indicating mould
  
  
• Discolouration or dark patches on walls
  
  
• Warped flooring or damp carpet
  
  

These subtle signs are often the first indication of a leak behind the surface.

Check Your Toilet for Silent Leaks

Toilets are a common source of water loss because many leaks are silent and happen inside the cistern. A simple test can reveal if your toilet is leaking: put a few drops of food colouring in the cistern and wait 15–20 minutes without flushing. If the colour appears in the bowl, water is leaking through the valve. Fixing this early can save thousands of litres of water each year.

Inspect Outdoor Areas Thoroughly

Outdoor plumbing can be just as prone to leaks as indoor systems. Check your garden, driveway, and around the home’s foundations for:

• Unexpected wet patches
  
  
• Constantly damp soil
  
  
• Mushy lawn areas
  
  
• Water pooling when it hasn’t rained
  
  
• Drips around garden taps and hoses
  
  

These signs may indicate a burst pipe, irrigation leak, or underground issue requiring professional leak detection.

Listen for Unusual Sounds

Sometimes you can hear a leak before you see it. Pay attention to:

• Hissing or running water sounds behind walls
  
  
• Gurgling noises from drains
  
  
• Constant trickling from toilets
  
  
• Tapping or vibrating pipes
  
  

These noises often suggest internal pressure issues or slow leaks hidden within walls or floors.

Check Your Hot Water System

Hot water systems can leak from valves, pipes, or the tank itself. Inspect around the base of the unit for moisture, rust, or pooling water. A leaking pressure relief valve may release small amounts occasionally, but consistent dripping should be checked by a professional. Since hot water leaks can increase energy consumption, early detection saves both water and electricity.

Monitor Your Water Bills

A sudden increase in your water bill is one of the clearest signs of a hidden leak. If your household habits haven’t changed but your bill has jumped, it’s time to investigate further. Compare your current usage with previous months – unexpected spikes usually mean water is escaping somewhere on your property.

When to Call a Professional

While these DIY checks can help identify obvious problems, not all leaks are easy to find. Underground leaks, cracked pipes within walls, and slab leaks often require specialised equipment such as thermal imaging, pressure testing, and acoustic detection. A professional leak detection service can pinpoint the exact location of the issue quickly and accurately, preventing unnecessary damage or exploratory work.

Final Thoughts

Many leaks can be caught early with simple observation and a few basic tests. By checking your water meter, inspecting fixtures, and looking for signs of dampness or damage, you can identify potential issues before they become serious. When the signs point to something hidden or more complex, professional leak detection ensures the problem is found and fixed fast.

Staying proactive not only protects your home but also reduces stress, water waste, and unexpected repair costs, making leak detection an essential part of responsible home ownership.