7 Warning Signs You Have a Hidden Water Leak in Your Home

Water leaks don't always announce themselves with a dramatic burst pipe or a flooded room. Many leaks are silent, hidden behind walls, under concrete slabs, or deep underground--slowly causing damage for weeks or months before you notice. Here are seven warning signs that your home may have a hidden water leak.

1. Unexplained High Water Bills

If your water bill suddenly spikes without a change in your usage habits, a hidden leak is one of the most likely causes. Even a small leak--like a pinhole in a copper pipe--can waste hundreds of gallons per day, adding $50-$200 or more to your monthly bill.

Compare your current bill to the same month last year. If your usage is significantly higher with no explanation, it's time to investigate.

2. Sound of Running Water When Everything Is Off

If you hear the faint sound of water running, hissing, or dripping when all faucets and appliances are turned off, you likely have an active leak somewhere in your plumbing system. This is especially noticeable at night when the house is quiet.

3. Warm or Hot Spots on Floors

If you notice warm or hot spots on your tile or concrete floor, it could indicate a hot water line leak beneath your slab foundation. This is a common type of slab leak in South Florida homes, where hot water pipes run through or beneath the concrete slab.

4. Musty or Mildew Smell

A persistent musty or mildew smell--especially in specific areas of your home--often indicates hidden moisture from a leak. Water that collects behind walls, under cabinets, or beneath flooring creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth.

5. Wet Spots, Stains, or Discoloration

Look for these visual clues of hidden leaks:

• Water stains on ceilings (yellow or brown rings)
• Damp or discolored spots on walls
• Warped, buckled, or soft spots in flooring
• Peeling paint or bubbling wallpaper
• Wet carpet that never fully dries

6. Low Water Pressure

If your water pressure has gradually decreased throughout the house, a leak in your main water line or supply pipes could be diverting water before it reaches your fixtures. This is different from a single fixture having low pressure, which usually indicates a localized issue.

7. Your Water Meter Keeps Running

Here's a simple test: turn off every water fixture and appliance in your home, then check your water meter. If the meter dial is still spinning or the numbers are still increasing, water is flowing somewhere--and if everything is off, that means you have a leak.

What to Do If You Suspect a Leak

1. Don't ignore it--hidden leaks only get worse and more expensive over time
2. Check your water meter using the test described above to confirm a leak exists
3. Call a leak detection specialist--we use electronic and acoustic equipment to pinpoint the exact leak location without tearing up your home
4. Document the damage--take photos for insurance purposes
5. Know your shut-off valve--if the leak is severe, shut off your main water supply