You open your most recent water bill and discover that it has unexpectedly increased, which is strange because you are aware that your water usage hasn’t changed. Or perhaps, when everything is off, you hear a slight pouring sound. These little signs may indicate a water leak in your house.
Ignoring household leaks doesn’t just waste water; it can cause costly water damage, lead to mould growth, and even compromise your home’s structure. The good news? You can spot most leaks early with a bit of knowledge and attention.
In this blog, we’ll help you understand how to find and identify water leaks in your home, what signs to look out for, and when it’s time to call a professional. Whether you live in Toronto, the GTA, or neighbouring areas, knowing how to detect leaks can help you save water, prevent expensive repairs, and protect your home from damage.
Contact us today through our form or call +1 (416) 252-5557 for expert plumbing, drain, and related services in Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, and across the GTA.
Why Water Leaks Are a Serious Problem
A water leak might seem harmless at first, just a few drops here and there, but over time, those drops add up. Every month, even a tiny drip can waste hundreds of litres of water.
Beyond wasting water and money, leaks can cause hidden damage to walls, floors, and ceilings. Moisture trapped inside your home’s structure can weaken wood framing, warp drywall, and encourage mould and mildew growth. Prolonged leaks can even erode your foundation or damage your plumbing system.
Here’s why addressing leaks quickly matters:
- Water waste: Every year, a slow faucet drip can waste almost 10,000 liters of water.
- Increased bills: A hidden leak can cause a high water bill without any change in your water habits.
- Structural damage: Leaking water can weaken floors, walls, and foundations.
- Health risks: Moisture encourages mould growth that can trigger allergies or respiratory issues.
- Contamination: In some cases, leaks in water supply lines may allow contaminants into your home’s water.
Knowing the signs of a leak and acting fast can protect your property and prevent unnecessary costs.
Common Signs of a Water Leak
Detecting leaks early is key to avoiding serious water damage. Below are the most common warning signs that there may be a water leak in your home.
1. Unusually High Water Bill
If you noticed that your water bill has suddenly increased, and you can’t think of a reason (like extra laundry, guests, or outdoor watering), that’s often the first sign of a leak.
Compare your bills from the last few months. A consistent spike in water consumption means water is being used somewhere, even when your fixtures are off.
2. The Sound of Running Water
Do you hear water flowing even though every faucet, toilet, and appliance is turned off? That sound could mean water is moving through your pipes due to a hidden leak.
To check, turn off all taps and appliances that use water. Then, go to your water meter. There is probably a leak in your plumbing system if the meter dial keeps moving.
3. Damp Floors or Walls
If you notice wet spots, soft flooring, or peeling paint on walls or ceilings, there may be leaking water behind the surface. These are especially common around bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms where water lines run behind walls.
A pool of water or a persistent wet area could indicate a slow leak in your water heater or heating system, or even a plumbing pipe leak.
4. Musty or Foul Odours
A musty smell or unpleasant odour could be a sign of hidden moisture. Within 24 to 48 hours of a leak, mould and mildew start to proliferate because they prefer moist environments.
If you can’t find the source of the odour, inspect under sinks, behind your toilet, and around fixtures. These are common places where leaks occur and go unnoticed.
5. Overgrowth or Pooling Water in Your Lawn
Do you notice one area of your lawn that’s greener or softer than the rest? That’s a telltale sign of a leak in an underground pipe or irrigation system.
Pooling water or consistently wet soil, especially near your home’s foundation, may indicate a broken water service line. This can result in serious water waste and property damage if unchecked and ignored.
6. Cracks in Walls or Ceilings
Water that seeps under your home can shift the soil and cause foundation movement. Over time, this may result in cracks in walls, especially if you notice them expanding. Even a small leak in the main water line or underground pipe can lead to this kind of structural stress.
7. Sagging or Stained Ceiling
If your ceiling starts to sag or shows water stains, there’s likely a leak above the affected area, often from a bathroom, tub, or plumbing fixture. Ignoring it can cause the ceiling to collapse and lead to significant water damage.
How to Find a Water Leak in Your Home
Verifying the source of the leak is the next step after suspecting one. Here are some useful methods for locating water leaks in your house.
1. Check the Water Meter
Your water meter is one of the most effective tools for leak detection. Follow these steps:
- Turn off all faucets, appliances, and your irrigation system.
- Make sure no one is using water.
- Check the face of the water meter. If the small leak indicator is moving, there’s a leak somewhere in your home.
- Wait 1–2 hours without using water. If the meter reading changes, this confirms water is flowing when it shouldn’t be.
This method helps determine whether the leak is inside the house or underground in your water supply line.
2. Test for Toilet Leaks
A leaky toilet is one of the most common household water leaks. Fortunately, it’s easy to check for. Here’s how:
- To your toilet tank, add a few drops of food colouring.
- Wait 10–15 minutes without flushing.
- If colour appears in the bowl, water is leaking from the fill valve into the bowl, meaning you have a toilet leak.
- To fix it, you may need to replace the flapper, adjust the fill valve, or call a professional plumber if the problem persists.
3. Inspect Faucets and Fixtures
Every day, a faucet’s gentle drip might squander litres of water. Check your bathroom sink, showerhead, tub, kitchen faucet, and any outdoor spigots. Tighten loose handles and replace worn-out washers or seals to fix the leak.
Don’t forget to check your water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine for moisture or pooling water around the base, as these are common signs of appliance leaks.
4. Check the Water Heater and Softener
- Your water heater and water softener are often overlooked sources of leaks.
- Check for rust or moisture on the base of your water heater.
- Ensure the valve and connections are tight.
If you notice a slow leak or standing water, turn off the water and call a licensed plumber immediately.
5. Look for Hidden or Underground Leaks
Not all leaks are visible. Some occur behind walls, under floors, or outside underground. Here’s what may indicate a hidden leak:
- Warm or damp spots on your floor
- A musty smell with no visible water
- Cracks in walls or flooring
- Reduced water pressure
A plumbing inspection with modern leak detection tools can help find water leaks without tearing down walls. Professional plumbers use specialized equipment to locate leaks precisely, minimizing damage and repair costs.
Contact us today through our form or call +1 (416) 252-5557 for expert plumbing, drain, and related services in Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, and across the GTA.
Outdoor Leaks and Irrigation Systems
Leaks do not always occur indoors. Likewise, especially during the winter, outdoor plumbing systems are vulnerable to freezing and thawing.
Regularly inspect your garden hoses, outdoor faucets, and irrigation system. If you notice pooling water, moving soil, or unusually lush grass patches, you may have a leak in the underground pipe or water supply line.
Turn off the main water valve and observe whether your meter dial continues to move. If it does, water is still flowing somewhere, which means a leak outside your home is likely.
Preventing Water Damage and Wasted Water
While leaks are sometimes unavoidable, prevention and early detection can make a big difference. Here are ways to save water in your home and protect your property:
- Inspect regularly: Check your fixtures, valves, and appliances that use water at least once every few months.
- Watch your water bill: A sudden spike may indicate a hidden leak.
- Know where your water shutoff is: In case of an emergency, turn off the water immediately to prevent further damage.
- Replace old plumbing: Older water lines can corrode and develop leaks over time.
- Install leak detectors: Smart devices can alert you to abnormal water usage or pooling water automatically.
- Schedule maintenance: Regular inspection by a professional plumber helps detect small leaks before they become major issues.
Remember, even small leaks can cause significant water waste and damage if left unattended.
When to Call a Professional Plumber in Toronto or the GTA
If you think you have a leak or notice any of the signs mentioned above, it’s best not to wait. Leaks can start small but lead to significant water damage if ignored.
At Absolute Draining & Plumbing, our licensed and insured Toronto plumbers specialize in detecting and repairing all types of plumbing leaks, from a leaky toilet or dripping faucet to underground water line leaks.
With over 20 years of experience serving Toronto, the GTA, and neighbouring areas, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners find and fix water leaks quickly. Using advanced diagnostic equipment, our team can precisely identify the leak’s source, saving you money, time, and water.
When you call Absolute Draining & Plumbing, you can expect:
- Fast, reliable service – available 24/7 for emergencies.
- Flat-rate pricing – no hidden fees or hourly surprises.
- Professional plumbers who explain every step of the process.
- Long-lasting solutions that prevent leaks from recurring.
Don’t let a leak go unchecked. Whether it’s a minor leak or a significant pipe burst, our professionals can help you safeguard your house and effectively fix your plumbing system.
Need Help Finding or Fixing a Water Leak in Toronto?
A water leak can happen anywhere – inside your walls, under your floors, or even outside your home. Knowing the signs, checking your water meter, and performing simple inspections can help you detect problems early.
You may save thousands of litres of water annually, prevent water damage, and reduce your water costs by taking prompt action. And when in doubt, don’t hesitate to call the trusted professionals at Absolute Draining & Plumbing, serving Toronto and the GTA for over two decades.
Protect your home, your health, and your wallet because even a few drops of leaking water can turn into a big problem if ignored.
Contact us today through our form or call +1 (416) 252-5557 for expert plumbing, drain, and related services in Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, and across the GTA.
