How Do I Find the Source of a Plumbing Leak? Simple Steps for Locating Hidden Leaks in Your Home

A plumbing leak in your home can quietly waste gallons of water, drive up your water bill, and even lead to serious water damage. But what if you're unsure where the leak is coming from? Whether it’s a small drip or a hidden leak behind walls, knowing how to find the source of a leak can save you time and money. In this article, we’ll show you how to detect water leaks, recognize the signs of a plumbing problem, and know when it’s time to call a professional plumber. If you're in Salt Lake City, Utah Utility Pro uses Leaktronics’ state-of-the-art leak detection tools to locate the source fast—so you can stop the leak before it causes damage.

What Are the Most Common Signs of a Water Leak?

One of the first steps in leak detection is knowing what to look for.

• An unexplained increase in your water bill often points to a hidden leak.
• Water stains on your ceiling or walls may indicate a pipe is leaking behind surfaces.
• The sound of running water when no faucets are on is another sign that water is being used somewhere it shouldn’t be.

Other common signs of a plumbing leak include soft spots in flooring, visible mold, or the smell of mildew. These all suggest that water is leaking in your home, even if you can't see the leak directly.

How Do I Know If There’s a Leak in My Plumbing System?

If you suspect a leak but can’t see it, checking your water meter is a great way to confirm.

Start by turning off the water supply to your home. Make sure all appliances that use water are off, including toilets, faucets, and washing machines. Then, check the water meter and take note of the reading. Wait for about 30 minutes without using any water, and check the meter again. If the numbers have changed, it means water is flowing—and you probably have a leak.

This water meter test is one of the simplest ways to detect hidden leaks in your plumbing system.

Where Do Plumbing Leaks Commonly Occur?

Leaks often appear in specific problem areas within your home.

• Under sinks and around the base of toilets
• Near your water heater or washing machine connections
• Behind walls and under flooring where water pipes run

Another common source of a leak is the ceiling, especially if there are roof leaks or water lines running between floors. These can cause water stains and visible sagging. By checking these areas, you can sometimes visually identify the leak.

What Should I Do If I Suspect a Water Leak?

If you think there’s a leak in your plumbing but can’t locate the source of the leak, act quickly to prevent water damage.

First, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve to prevent further waste water and damage. Then, monitor your water usage and take note of any increase in water over time. If you're still unable to locate the source, it’s time to call a plumber.

At Utah Utility Pro, we specialize in water leak detection using Leaktronics’ industry-leading tools. These tools help us find the exact area of the leak without cutting into walls or floors.

Can a Leak in the Toilet Cause a Hidden Water Problem?

Yes—one of the most common and overlooked leaks in your plumbing system is in the toilet.

A leak in the flapper valve or fill valve can cause water to continuously flow into the bowl. Even a slow leak can waste gallons of water each day. To test your toilet for leaks, add a few drops of food coloring into the tank. Wait 15 minutes without flushing. If colored water appears in the bowl, you’ve found a leak.

This type of leak may not cause visible damage, but it will show up on your water bill.

Is Your Water Heater Causing the Leak?

Water heaters are another major source of plumbing leaks.

Check around the base of your water heater for puddles or wet spots. If you see water or corrosion, it may indicate a leak in the tank or one of the connecting pipes. A leaking water heater can cause the pressure to drop in your home’s plumbing system and may result in water damage if not addressed quickly.

If you suspect the water heater is the problem, turn it off and call a plumber for water leak repair.

What If You Can’t See the Leak at All?

Sometimes the leak is completely hidden—inside a wall, beneath a slab, or in the ceiling. That’s when professional leak detection is necessary.

Hidden water leaks can slowly weaken your home’s structure. If you’re unable to locate the source, don’t start cutting into drywall. Instead, contact a professional plumber with the right leak detection equipment. At Utah Utility Pro, we use advanced listening and tracing tools from Leaktronics to locate the leak with accuracy and avoid unnecessary damage.

We can find water leaks fast—even in areas where the source of leaks would otherwise be impossible to detect without demolition.

How Do You Monitor Your Water to Detect a Leak?

One simple way to monitor your home water use is by checking your water bill regularly. A sudden increase without any change in usage usually means there’s a leak.

Another smart habit is to periodically walk through your home and listen for unusual sounds—especially the sound of running water when nothing is turned on. These clues help identify leaks early.

You can also install smart leak detectors that alert you when there’s a change in water pressure or flow. This helps catch leaks in real time before they cause serious damage.

When Is It Time to Call a Professional Plumber?

If you’ve done everything you can to find the source of a water leak but still can’t locate it, it’s time to call a plumber.

A professional plumber can assess your entire plumbing system and determine if the leak is due to a pipe, a fixture, or something hidden. Our team at Utah Utility Pro offers expert water leak detection and repair throughout Salt Lake City. We work quickly to locate the source of the leak and provide lasting solutions.

Leaks can cause water to overflow, rot wood, and promote mold—don’t wait too long to fix the problem.

Why Choose Utah Utility Pro for Leak Detection and Repair?

When you need fast, accurate leak detection, Utah Utility Pro is the go-to team in Salt Lake City.

We use Leaktronics tools to detect water leaks without invasive methods
Our experienced plumbers are trained in pinpointing even the most hidden leaks
We offer honest assessments and effective plumbing repairs tailored to your situation

Whether the leak is coming from your toilet, water heater, or inside a wall, we’ll find the source and fix it right—the first time.

Key Takeaways: How to Find the Source of a Plumbing Leak

• A high water bill is often the first clue that there’s a leak in your plumbing
• Use your water meter to test for hidden leaks in the system
• Check around toilets, under sinks, and near the water heater for leaking water
• Toilet leaks are common and easy to miss—use the food coloring test
• Water stains on the ceiling or wall may indicate a leak behind surfaces
• Shut off the main water supply if you suspect a leak
• Professional plumbers use advanced tools to detect water leaks without damage
• If you're in Salt Lake City, Utah Utility Pro can help you locate the source and stop the leak fast

Finding a leak early is the best way to prevent water damage and avoid costly repairs. Don’t ignore the signs—take action today.