A hidden water leak might not seem urgent at first, but it can quietly cause serious damage beneath your feet. From warped floorboards to rising damp and mould, slow leaks can lead to expensive repairs if not caught in time. In this blog, we’ll explain how to detect a hidden water leak early and what signs to watch out for before it turns into a bigger problem.
Spotting the Warning Signs Before Major Damage Occurs
Small, concealed leaks can often go unnoticed for weeks or even months. While a burst pipe makes itself known immediately, slow leaks under flooring or behind walls are far more subtle. Here’s what you should be looking out for.
A key indicator is a persistent musty smell that doesn’t go away, especially in enclosed rooms like bathrooms or under-stair spaces. You might also notice damp patches on your flooring, discoloured grout lines, or a spongy feeling when walking on laminate or timber. These are often the first signs that water is seeping beneath the surface.
Watch Your Water Bill
An unexpected rise in your water usage can be a strong sign of a hidden leak. If your habits haven’t changed but your bill has jumped, it’s worth checking further. Shut off all taps and appliances, then check your water meter. If it’s still spinning, water is flowing somewhere it shouldn’t.
Use Tissue or Talcum Powder Around Suspect Areas
If you suspect a leak near a pipe or joint under a sink, toilet or bath, a quick trick is to place dry tissue or a light dusting of talcum powder around the area. If it gets damp or forms a trail, that points to a leak.
Infrared and Moisture Meters
For a more technical check, a plumber can use an infrared camera or a moisture meter to detect subtle temperature differences and humidity changes that suggest hidden water. This non-invasive approach avoids lifting floors or cutting into walls unnecessarily.
Check Seals and Connections
Often, leaks come from deteriorated silicone seals or loose joints around showers, toilets, or washing machines. Periodically check these areas and reseal or tighten as needed to prevent long-term drips.
Underfloor Heating and Bathroom Leaks
Bathrooms are high-risk areas due to the constant presence of moisture. If you have underfloor heating, sudden cold spots may indicate a pipe issue beneath the surface. In older properties across Southampton, we’ve often found that slow leaks stem from pipe joints beneath tiled floors or timber joists.
Worried About a Hidden Leak in Your Southampton Home?
T P Watts Plumbing Services is here to help you track down leaks before they ruin your flooring. We use accurate, non-invasive tools and expert know-how to detect and resolve the issue quickly. Call us today on 02380 601566 or 07732 785867, or fill in our contact form to arrange a leak inspection.
