Water leaks that go undetected can cause serious damage, racking up your water bill and encouraging the growth of mildew and mold. Fortunately, there are some simple ways you can spot them.

Check your water meter to see if it is moving, making sure you haven’t used any water (such as washing machines or dishwashers). If it has moved, this is a sign of a leak.

1. Look for Water Damage

Seeing visible water damage is one of the most obvious signs that there's a leak somewhere in your home. Damp carpets and walls, warped floorboards and even mold and mildew are a few of the more common indicators that a leak is present.

Unexplained stains on walls and ceilings can also point to an undetected leak. Pools of water that keep reappearing despite being cleaned up are a clear indicator of a leak in a pipe.

If you suspect a hidden leak, you can check your water meter by shutting off all faucets in your home (including appliances like washing machines and dishwashers) for an hour or more. Then, read your water meter again to see if the numbers have changed. If they have, a leak is likely nearby. Then, the next step is to have a plumber in Geelong come and identify where the leak is located within your home. This step is crucial to avoiding costly water damage repair.

2. Look for Wet Spots

If you spot wet spots around your home or a sudden spike in water usage, it’s likely time to call a plumber. The longer you let a leak go on, the more damage you’ll have to deal with and the higher your water bill will be.

Some of the simplest signs of water leaks are standing puddles or wet flooring, especially in areas that often get used (kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room). If you find yourself hearing the drip-drip-drip of a water leak and can’t identify where it’s coming from, there are other clues to look out for:

First, shut off all of your faucets and make sure your dishwasher and washing machine aren’t running. Next, check your water meter. If the dials have moved even though everything is turned off, it could indicate a slow leak somewhere in your system. If the meter hasn’t changed, this means that the leak is further downstream, maybe underground.

3. Listen for Water Leaks

Water leaks can cause serious damage to your home and cost you a fortune in water bills. That’s why it is important to detect them early on before they have a chance to get out of control. Luckily there are many ways to check for water leaks in your home.

Start by checking your water meter. Make a note of the number and then shut off all

of the water use appliances in your home and wait an hour. Then go back and check the meter again. If the numbers have moved then you may have a leak.

You can also use a tool called a stethoscope or an ultrasonic leak detector to find leaks. These devices emit high-frequency sounds that bounce off objects in the wall and floor to help you locate the source of the leak. Professionals use these tools to detect hidden leaks but they are available for home use as well.

4. Check Your Water Meter

If you suspect a leak in your home, shut off the water at your main valve (usually located outdoors or in your basement). Then, turn off all faucets and appliances that use water. Take note of the meter’s reading, particularly the “leak indicator” (looks like a second hand on a clock). If this dial is moving, or if the actual meter sweep hand is moving, there’s a good chance you have a leak somewhere.

Digital meters display two different numbers on their screen: the meter read and the flow rate. The meter read is the number that shows how many gallons of water has passed through the meter since it was installed. The flow rate is a real-time number that shows how much water is passing through the meter now. If the meter reading is increasing while everything is turned off, there is a leak past your stopcock or in your home plumbing. Turn off all taps and appliances once again, and reread the meter after about 20 minutes.