Spotting water leaks early: signs every homeowner should know

Water leaks rarely announce themselves. More often, they start as a small mark on the wall or a smell that’s hard to place. Catching them early can save you from damaged finishes, mould and bigger repairs later.

Common warning signs

Keep an eye out for:

• Damp patches or discolouration on walls and ceilings.
• Peeling or bubbling paint near bathrooms and kitchens.
• A musty smell that doesn’t go away with cleaning.
• Hollow or loose tiles in wet areas.
• Water pooling where it shouldn’t, such as outside the shower area.
• An unexpectedly high water bill.

Where leaks often start

Area	What to check
Under the basin	Drips at connections, swollen cabinet base
Around the toilet	Water at the base, a cistern that keeps refilling
Shower area	Cracked grout, failed silicone, water seeping beyond the screen
Kitchen sink	Damp cabinet floor, stained back panel
Ceilings	Stains below a bathroom on the upper floor

A quick water-meter test

1. Make sure all taps, the washing machine and other water-using appliances are off.
2. Record the reading on your water meter.
3. Wait for an hour or two without using any water.
4. Check the reading again.

If the number has moved, water is escaping somewhere — and it’s worth getting it inspected.

Tip: A toilet that refills by itself every so often is one of the most common (and easiest to miss) sources of wasted water.

What to do when you find a leak

• Limit the damage. Turn off the water supply to the fixture if you can, and dry the area.
• Take photos. They help whoever inspects it, and are useful if neighbours are affected.
• Find the source first. Repairing a stained ceiling or re-painting a wall won’t help if water is still getting in.
• Get help early. The longer water sits, the more it can affect the materials around it.

The bottom line

Leaks are much easier — and cheaper — to fix when they’re caught early. Know the signs, use the water-meter test when something seems off, and always fix the source before the finishes.