Hidden Water Leaks: 4 Ways to Spot High Water Bills and Water Damage
That sound of trickling water might be soothing in a fountain, but when it’s coming from inside your walls or beneath your floorboards, it’s a terrifying soundtrack. Hidden water leaks are sneaky—they silently hike up your utility bills and can cause thousands of dollars in structural damage before you even notice a puddle.
At Superior Services, we handle leak detection and repair all across San Angelo. We know that catching a leak early is the key to minimizing damage and keeping your bank account happy.
If you suspect something is amiss, here are the four most reliable ways to spot a hidden water leak in your home.
1. The Sudden, Unexplained Spike on Your Water Bill
This is often the first and most obvious sign that something is terribly wrong. If your household habits haven't changed (you didn't just fill a massive swimming pool or host a dozen guests for a week), yet your water bill jumps 20% or more, a leak is highly likely.
The Test: To confirm it’s a leak, try the Meter Test.
Locate your main water meter (usually near the street or curb).
Write down the current reading.
Ensure no one in the house uses any water for at least two hours (don't run the dishwasher, flush the toilet, or use the washing machine).
Check the meter again. If the reading has changed, you have a leak somewhere between the meter and your fixtures.
2. Discoloration, Warping, or Damp Spots on Walls and Floors
Water damage isn't always a dramatic flood. Often, it presents as subtle, cosmetic changes in your home's structure as drywall, paint, and wood absorb moisture over time.
Walls and Ceilings: Look for water stains that appear discolored, bubbling, peeling, or bulging. If a ceiling feels soft or sponge-like to the touch, you likely have a leak in an upstairs bathroom or attic pipe.
Floors: Hardwood floors can warp, buckle, or lift. Vinyl or linoleum may separate from the subfloor. Check the base of cabinets or walls near water-using appliances for any signs of wetness or mold.
If you see a strange spot that keeps reappearing, it's not a ghost—it's gravity pulling leaking water downward.
3. The Sound of Running Water When Everything is Off
Listen carefully when your house is quiet, particularly at night. If you hear the faint sound of running or dripping water coming from behind a wall, under the floor, or near a fixture that is definitely turned off, you have a definite problem.
The most common culprit here is a "phantom flusher"—a running toilet.
The Test (for Toilets): Drop a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank. Wait 15 minutes without flushing. If the colored water shows up in the bowl, you have a bad flapper valve, which is constantly leaking water into the bowl and down the drain. This small leak can waste hundreds of gallons a month!
4. Musty Odors and Visible Mold or Mildew
Water leaks don't just waste water; they create the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. Mold loves dark, damp, confined spaces—exactly where a hidden leak occurs (behind drywall, under sinks, etc.).
If you smell a persistent, damp, earthy, or musty odor that you can't trace to a specific source (like old laundry), it's highly likely that moisture from a leak has led to a mold colony. This is particularly concerning because mold can pose a health risk.
Where to check first: Areas near plumbing fixtures like bathroom vanity cabinets, under the kitchen sink, and the laundry room.
Found a Leak? Don't Wait for Disaster.
A small leak today can be a catastrophic burst tomorrow, especially with the shifting seasonal temperatures here in San Angelo. If you've run the tests and confirmed you have a hidden leak, the solution is straightforward: call a professional.
At Superior Services, we use non-invasive tools and expert knowledge to accurately locate and repair leaks, protecting your home's structure and your wallet. We handle everything from the smallest dripping faucet to major slab leaks.
Don't let a mystery spike in your water bill turn into a costly repair project. Contact Superior Services today for prompt and reliable leak detection and repair!
