8 Signs You Have A Water Leak In Your Home

Water leaks are sneaky household problems that often go unnoticed until they cause serious damage. For homeowners wondering how to detect a water leak, early signs are their best defence. Whether it’s a sudden spike in your water bill or a mysterious damp patch, recognising these clues early can help you avoid costly repairs and ongoing structural issues.

If you're trying to find a water leak, the first step is to stay alert to common warning signs. Acting early protects your home and saves you time, money, and hassle down the track.

Here are eight signs that could indicate a hidden water leak—and when it’s time to call a professional plumber.

A sudden increase in your water bill—despite no major change in usage—should raise eyebrows. It’s often the first indicator of a hidden leak somewhere in your plumbing system.

• Even minor leaks can waste hundreds of litres of water each month.
• Toilets, irrigation systems, and underground pipes are common hidden culprits.
• Leaks can be silent and undetectable without proper tools.

Calling a plumber ensures a comprehensive inspection using leak detection equipment that can pinpoint even the smallest issues. They can assess everything from tap connections to your main water line, identifying inefficiencies quickly and effectively.

Water stains or peeling paint on walls and ceilings often suggest moisture behind the surface. This is usually due to a slow leak from pipes that run through or above these areas.

• Discolouration or bubbling paint could mean long-term water exposure.
• Mould spots, even without discolouration, signal potential leaks.
• Warped plasterboard or drooping ceilings suggest more serious water accumulation.

Professional plumbers use moisture meters and infrared detection tools to locate the source of internal leaks without tearing down your walls unnecessarily.

A musty smell that lingers in specific rooms—particularly bathrooms, laundry areas, or under kitchen sinks—can be a red flag. Even if you can’t see any water, the odour could be caused by mould or mildew growing behind surfaces.

• Mould thrives in hidden, damp areas caused by leaks.
• Odours often persist even after thorough cleaning.
• Certain materials like timber & plaster absorb moisture easily.

A licensed plumber will investigate moisture-prone areas using detection equipment to isolate the issue. Addressing the leak and the moisture source is essential to prevent further fungal growth.

If your water pressure drops suddenly in one or more fixtures, a hidden leak may divert flow from its intended path. This can occur in hot and cold water lines.

• Decreased water pressure could mean a pipe is leaking between the main line and your tap or shower.
• If pressure is low in multiple areas, the issue may lie in the supply line.
• Air pockets or sediment caused by pipe leaks may also reduce pressure.

Plumbers can use pressure gauges and diagnostic testing to measure flow rates, quickly locating and fixing the fault before it worsens.

If you can hear running or trickling water in your home while all taps and appliances are turned off, you could have a leak behind walls or under floors.

• Pay attention to quiet times—at night or early morning—for unexplained water sounds.
• Common sources include leaking toilets, hot water systems, or underfloor pipes.
• The noise may be subtle but persistent.

Experienced plumbers use acoustic listening equipment to trace the sound and locate the leak without damaging floors or walls.

Finding puddles near your toilet, washing machine, dishwasher, or hot water system might be more than just condensation or a spill—it’s often a sign of a leak.

• Slow drips around appliances may indicate a hose or connection issue.
• Water around the toilet base could mean a seal or flange is failing.
• Even a seemingly dry fixture may be leaking intermittently and pooling below.

A plumber will inspect appliance connections, hose fittings, and drainage pipes and replace faulty parts or seals to restore full functionality and prevent water damage.

When your garden has persistently wet patches or unusually green grass in one area, it might not be due to overwatering. A leaking outdoor pipe could be soaking the soil from below.

• Consistently soggy areas may suggest a leak from irrigation or outdoor plumbing.
• Patches of rapid plant growth can be fuelled by leaking nutrient-rich water.
• Pooling around outdoor taps or metres could indicate underground issues.

Plumbers perform pressure tests and even use soil moisture sensors or ground microphones to detect leaks without digging up your yard unnecessarily.

If your home’s foundation starts to show cracks or your basement is unusually damp, it may be caused by a long-standing plumbing leak.

• Persistent leaks can erode soil, causing foundations to shift or crack.
• Excess moisture encourages mould growth and attracts pests.
• Signs like rising dampness or efflorescence (white powder on bricks) may indicate water seeping through walls.

Getting a licensed plumber to investigate with specialised diagnostic tools ensures early detection and minimises potential structural issues down the line.

Every small drip or damp patch has the potential to snowball into a major plumbing emergency. Acting quickly when you spot the early signs of a water leak can save thousands in repairs and prevent damage to your home’s structure and safety.

At Foreshore Plumbers, we use advanced leak detection tools and practical plumbing solutions to resolve water leaks. Whether the leak is behind the walls, under the slab, or in your backyard, our plumber in Forster has the experience to detect and repair leaks with minimal disruption to your home.

Don’t ignore the signs—get in touch via our contact page or call us today to book a leak inspection. Safeguard your home with reliable local plumbing support and avoid the stress of costly damage later.