A dripping faucet is annoying, but at least you can see it. The most dangerous leaks in your home are the ones you can’t see. Hidden leaks behind walls, under floors, or in your slab can run for weeks or months before you notice them, causing significant structural damage and wasting thousands of gallons of water.
At Plumber 007, we specialize in high-tech leak detection in Paramount. If you suspect something is wrong with your plumbing but can’t pinpoint the source, watch out for these five tell-tale signs.
1. Your Water Bill is Unexplainedly High
This is usually the first red flag. If your water usage habits haven’t changed (you haven’t filled a pool or had houseguests), but your bill has spiked significantly, water is going somewhere it shouldn’t.
Compare this month’s bill to the same month last year. A sudden jump suggests a continuous flow of water—likely a break in the main line or a slab leak.
2. You Hear Running Water When Everything is Off
In a quiet house, you shouldn’t hear your plumbing. If you hear a faint hissing, splashing, or the sound of water rushing through pipes when no faucets, toilets, or appliances are running, you likely have a leak.
Pro Tip: Check your toilets first. A running toilet flapper is a common cause of “phantom” water sounds. If the toilet is silent and you still hear water, the leak is likely inside the walls.
3. Warm Spots on the Floor (Slab Leaks)
In Paramount and much of Southern California, many homes are built on concrete slabs with copper piping running underneath. If a hot water line bursts under the concrete, heat will transfer through the slab.
If you walk across your kitchen or living room floor in bare feet and feel a distinct “hot spot,” you almost certainly have a slab leak. This requires immediate professional attention to prevent foundation damage.
4. The Water Meter “Spin” Test
You can act like a detective to confirm a leak using your water meter. Here is how:
- Turn off all water inside and outside the house (faucets, dishwasher, sprinklers).
- Locate your water meter (usually near the sidewalk).
- Watch the leak indicator (often a small red triangle or a spinning dial).
- If it is moving while everything is off, you have a leak.
5. Mold, Mildew, or Peeling Paint
Water leaks create moisture, and moisture creates mold. If you see warping paint, bubbling wallpaper, or dark spots appearing on your walls or ceilings, there is likely a slow leak behind the drywall. Do not ignore a musty smell—it’s often the only warning you get before visible damage appears.
What To Do If You Suspect a Leak
If you notice any of these signs, time is money. Here is your action plan:
- Shut off the main water valve: This stops the water flow and prevents further damage to your home.
- Do not dig blindly: Breaking into walls or jackhammering floors without knowing the exact location of the leak causes unnecessary destruction.
- Call the professionals: We use specialized electronic listening equipment and thermal imaging to locate the leak with pinpoint accuracy before we start digging.
Suspect a hidden leak? Don’t let it damage your home.
Contact Plumber 007 today at +1 562-242-2124. We are Paramount’s trusted experts in non-invasive leak detection.