How To Tell If You Have A Hidden Water Leak

Unexpected Spike In Your Water Bill

If your latest water bill has crept up without an obvious explanation, it could signal water being wasted somewhere behind the scenes. This kind of gradual or sudden increase is often the first red flag that a hidden leak exists.

• Water usage tends to be consistent across months—any sudden jump without seasonal change or added usage should raise concern.
• Conduct a basic test by noting your meter reading, avoiding water use for a few hours, and checking if the meter moves. If it does, there’s likely a leak.
• Professional plumbers can perform a detailed leak detection process to confirm the cause and prevent further water loss.

Running Water Sounds When Everything’s Off

Hearing water moving through pipes when no taps or appliances are in use is a strong indicator that something’s wrong. These subtle but persistent noises should never be ignored.

• Pay close attention at night or early morning when the house is quiet—drips, whooshing or trickling noises may be easier to detect.
• These sounds could mean a pipe is leaking inside a wall or slab, wasting water without leaving visible signs.
• Licensed plumbers use acoustic equipment to accurately locate such leaks with minimal disruption.

Damp, Discoloured Or Peeling Walls & Ceilings

Discolouration on plaster, bubbling paint, or peeling wallpaper often signal that water is breaching your surfaces from within. These symptoms usually get worse over time if left untreated.

• Stains may appear yellow, brown or grey, often growing in size and intensity.
• Ceiling sagging or wall softness is another red flag suggesting moisture build-up behind the scenes.
• A professional plumber can trace the leak's origin and prevent more serious structural issues.

Musty Smells Or Mould Growth In Unexpected Places

When mould appears on walls, under cupboards or behind furniture—especially away from kitchens or bathrooms—it may be fed by a slow, hidden leak. Mould spores thrive in damp, dark places and can quickly affect air quality.

• Musty odours that persist after airing out a room typically point to concealed moisture.
• Even small black or green patches of mould indicate excess water trapped behind surfaces.
• Fixing the leak at its source and drying affected materials are essential steps that plumbers can guide and execute effectively.

Persistently Low Water Pressure Across Fixtures

Sudden or gradual drops in water pressure throughout the home are more than an inconvenience. If multiple taps or showers suffer weak flow, water may be escaping before it reaches the fixtures.

• Check if all outlets are affected, or only a particular area of the home—this can help isolate the issue.
• Loss of pressure might be caused by a burst pipe under a slab or between walls, leaking steadily.
• A plumbing expert can test water pressure, inspect the system, and determine whether a hidden leak is the cause.

Soft, Sagging Or Warped Flooring & Ceilings

When you notice springy or spongy flooring, sagging ceilings, or warped surfaces, it’s likely that water has been pooling unseen for some time. These signs indicate damage that’s already underway.

• Floorboards may feel unstable, or linoleum and tiles might start lifting or bubbling.
• Ceilings that bow or show softness are usually retaining moisture.
• Professional intervention is necessary to stop the leak, prevent electrical hazards, and advise on structural repair.

Unexplained Wet Spots, Puddles Or Warped Furniture

Finding isolated wet areas without a clear source—especially in corners, cupboards or under sinks—often points to a hidden plumbing fault. These patches can appear intermittently, depending on usage patterns.

• Watch for water pooling near cabinetry, under dishwashers or behind washing machines.
• Wooden furniture or cabinetry that warps or discolours may be sitting near a slow, persistent leak.
• Moisture sensors and infrared cameras used by plumbers can uncover the source quickly and safely.

Repeated Leaks From Flexi‑hoses & Ageing Fixtures

Flexi-hoses under sinks, basins or toilets are a common failure point. If you’ve dealt with even minor hose leaks or ageing plumbing fittings, a more serious hidden leak may already be forming.

• Look for signs of rust, corrosion or fraying on hoses—especially those over five years old.
• Hose failures can lead to rapid flooding if not replaced or inspected regularly.
• Routine checks and professional replacement by a qualified plumber can prevent costly emergencies.

Why Early Detection Matters

Hidden water leaks aren’t just a nuisance—they’re a silent threat to your home’s structural integrity, indoor air quality and financial wellbeing. Because they often occur out of sight, these leaks can go unnoticed for weeks or even months, quietly causing damage that escalates over time. By the time physical symptoms appear—like sagging ceilings or musty smells—the underlying issue may already be advanced.

Addressing a hidden leak early means smaller repair costs, faster fixes and less disruption to your home. Left unchecked, even a small leak can lead to major problems.

• Leaks can cause rot, mould growth, plaster decay and floor damage that require major reconstruction.
• Mould and moisture can lead to respiratory issues or allergies, especially in households with children or older residents.
• A plumber can use non-invasive tools to confirm a leak’s presence and fix it before damage worsens.

Think You Have a Hidden Leak? Let’s Find Out

At Wigg Plumbing. If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs—like discoloured walls, a spike in your water bill, or unexplained damp patches—it’s time to act. Hidden water leaks never fix themselves and often lead to bigger, more expensive problems when ignored. Get in touch via our contact page, or give us a call to book a leak detection inspection. Let’s identify the issue early and protect your home from unnecessary damage.