How to Detect Hidden Leaks in Your Bathroom Plumbing

Bathrooms are prime real estate for water leaks. Between sinks, showers, tubs, and toilets, there’s a lot of plumbing crammed into a relatively small space. That means a lot of opportunities for trouble - and if the leak is behind a wall or under the floor, then spotting it can be tricky.

While Texas Rooter's plumbers use advanced tools like thermal imaging and acoustic sensors for precise leak detection, there are still a few ways that you, as a homeowner, can play detective before making the call. Let's dive in.

• Check Your Water Meter

One of the easiest ways to spot a hidden leak is to look at your water meter. Here's how:

• First, make sure no one in the house is using water. Turn off all taps, stop the dishwasher, and don’t flush any toilets.
• Second, find your water meter. It's usually near the curb or in a box in your yard.
• Third, take a reading. Then, wait 30 minutes to an hour without using any water.

If the meter has moved, then the water is going somewhere; and if you can’t see where, then it’s probably a hidden leak.

• Keep an Eye (and Nose) Out for Clues

Not all signs of leaks are about water you can see. Sometimes your other senses give you the first hint. Watch out for:

• Mildew smell: A musty odor in the bathroom could mean water is sitting where it shouldn’t be.
• Warped floors or baseboards: Water can make wood swell and paint bubble.
• Loose tiles: Moisture can weaken the adhesive under your floor or wall tiles.

These clues don’t always mean there’s a leak, but they’re strong indicators it’s time to investigate. Call Texas Rooter if you're in the area. We are proud to offer emergency plumbing repair service so you're always protected.

• Test Your Toilet

Toilets are one of the most common sources of hidden leaks. A faulty flapper or seal can let water slip from the tank into the bowl without you noticing. Try the dye test:

First, put a few drops of food coloring into your toilet tank. Then, wait 15-30 minutes without flushing. Now, check the toilet bowl. If the color appears in the bowl, then water is leaking from the tank.

While this kind of leak might not cause visible damage, it can waste hundreds of gallons of water per month.

• Listen for the Sound of Trouble

Sometimes leaks can be heard before they’re seen. Turn off everything that makes noise in your house and head into the bathroom - preferably at night. Listen closely near walls, floors, and fixtures. The sound of hissing, dripping, or trickling are concerning.

A hissing sound could mean water is escaping under pressure; A faint drip or trickle might mean water is pooling somewhere it shouldn’t be.

If you hear something but can’t find the source, then it’s time for a professional leak detection. A trained plumber can track down the problem without tearing up half your bathroom.

• Check Your Water Bill

Many people awaken to the possibility of a water leak when they see their water bills. If your monthly water bill is higher than usual and your household habits haven’t changed, then there’s a good chance water is disappearing somewhere. Even a small drip can add up to a big number over time.

PRO TIP: Schedule Periodic Plumbing Inspections

A plumbing inspection is not just for when you're purchasing a property. Get in the habit of scheduling annual or even biennial inspections. During this time, a plumber will thoroughly investigate all of the plumbing in your home - including the bathroom. They'll turn your attention to vulnerabilities, highlight issues, suggest repairs, and even offer tips for the future.

If you'd like to hire a uniformed plumber from a company with decades of cumulative experience, then call or message Texas Rooter. We are proud to offer emergency plumbing repair service, so feel free to contact us at any time of the day - or night.