Plumbing · Homeowner answer
How do you find a hidden water leak?
Short answer
Start by checking whether water is being used when nothing is running — a meter, a hissing sound or a filling cistern tells you. Then follow the stains and damp back towards the pipework. The source is often away from where the water shows.
What changes the answer
- whether it is on the mains side or the heating side
- whether the heating pressure is dropping too
- floor construction
What you can check yourself
- turn everything off and listen for running water
- check under sinks, behind the toilet and around the hot press
What to do next
If you cannot find it, turn off the stopcock if it is getting worse and call us.
This page gives general information only. Christy needs to see your system — in person or from your photos — before he can give you firm advice or a price.