A leak in your home’s plumbing system can be a silent and destructive force. Unlike a dripping tap or a running toilet, a hidden leak—one that’s behind a wall, under a floor, or in a crawlspace—can go unnoticed for weeks, months, or even years. By the time you discover it, the damage can be extensive, leading to mould growth, structural issues, and a shockingly high water bill. At Aquila Property Care, your trusted home improvement and plumbing experts in Birmingham, we believe that being proactive is the best defence. Here’s our guide on how to detect and fix hidden leaks before they become a disaster.
Signs of a Hidden Leak
While a hidden leak is, by definition, difficult to see, it’s not impossible to spot the signs. Keep an eye out for these tell-tale warnings:
- Unexplained Increase in Your Water Bill: This is often the first and most obvious sign. If your water bill suddenly spikes without any change in your water usage habits, a hidden leak is a likely culprit.
- Mould or Mildew Growth: A leak provides the perfect environment for mould and mildew to thrive. If you notice a damp smell or see mould on a wall or ceiling that’s not near a shower, it could be a sign of a hidden pipe leak.
- Discoloured or Sagging Walls/Ceilings: Water damage can cause paint to bubble, wallpaper to peel, or drywall to become discoloured and soft to the touch. A sagging ceiling is a clear sign that water is pooling above it.
- The Sound of Running Water: If you hear the faint sound of running or dripping water when all taps and appliances are off, it’s a strong indication that there is a leak somewhere in your home’s plumbing.
How to Detect a Hidden Leak Yourself
Before calling in a professional, you can perform a simple test to confirm a leak. This method is the best way to detect and fix hidden leaks in their early stages.
- Turn Off All Water Sources: Make sure all taps, showers, dishwashers, washing machines, and any other water-using appliances are turned off.
- Check Your Water Meter: Locate your water meter (it’s usually in a box outside your property or in a cellar). Take a reading of the numbers on the meter. You may also see a small red or black triangle on the meter face—if it’s spinning, it means water is currently flowing through your pipes.
- Wait for an Hour: Leave the water off for at least an hour.
- Re-check the Meter: After an hour, check the water meter again. If the numbers have changed, you have a leak. If the small triangle was spinning and has now stopped, the leak might be a slow one, but it’s still there.
For more detailed instructions on how to use your water meter to check for leaks, you can visit this Property Maintenance Guide | 7 Signs Your Plumbing System Needs Immediate Attention
When to Call the Professionals
While the above steps can help you confirm that a leak exists, locating and fixing it is often a job for the experts. Our team at Aquila Property Care has the right tools and technology to quickly pinpoint the source of a hidden leak, from acoustic leak detection to thermal imaging. Trying to fix a hidden leak yourself can lead to further damage to your walls, floors, and pipes. Our plumbers are highly experienced in both detection and repair, ensuring the problem is solved efficiently and correctly.
Taking proactive steps to detect and fix hidden leaks is essential for protecting your home. If you’ve run the test and suspect a leak, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our team in Birmingham is ready to help you with everything from leak detection to full pipe replacement. You can trust Aquila Property Care for all your home improvement and plumbing needs.
