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Easy Ways to Find Hidden Water Leaks in Your Home
Easy Ways to Find Hidden Water Leaks in Your Home
4.8 RATING

Easy Ways to Find Hidden Water Leaks in Your Home

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average U.S. household's leaks can account for over 10,000 gallons of wasted water every year.

October 12, 2026
Easy Ways to Find Hidden Water Leaks in Your Home

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average U.S. household’s leaks can account for over 10,000 gallons of wasted water every year. That is enough water to wash 270 loads of laundry! Worse, the hidden leaks can cause devastating water damage and disrupt the structural integrity of your building. Professional leak detections and leak repairs by the qualified plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing can help, and we recommend you schedule annual inspections. However, there are some ways you can spot leaks too. Here are some easy ways to detect hidden water leaks in your home. Feel free to call Mr. Rooter Plumbing if you would like a dedicated plumber to take a look.

Our Customers Reviews

Chahib Chakrome

Summit, NJ

The service provided was great, nothing to say about the work of the plumber. 5 stars to him. But the company charges felt way too much for the work. We would have liked to have the same plumber take care of other things in the house, but every time he check how much extra the company will charge for the job, the price just got too much. The plumber did an amazing job he selected a beautiful faucet to replace our old one. He did his best. But the company prices have no room for negotiation.

Tiffany DeSande

Plainfield, NJ

A million stars!!!! Steve and Lucas were absolutely amazing. My parents pipes burst and within 4 hours of calling they came and fixed everything!!! Very nice guys and dealt with my panicking. I will always use them if needed in the future and you all should too!!! Thank god for people like this!!! Thank you so much guys!!!

Naomi Langer-Seltzer

New Brunswick, NJ

We got very quick service, I think the plumber actually arrived in less than an hour! After reviewing what was happening, he gave us our options and performed the option we selected. This happened in the late afternoon or early evening. It was already dark and there was a lot of snow on the ground.

Steve Smith

Mountainside, NJ

I needed immediate, same day service in the early evening at my home. I went to the internet and looked up plumbing services that offered "24-hour, 7-day a week" availability. The first 3 places I called said that they could not get to me until the following day. Then I called Mr. Rooter. They were courteous and promptly got a technician to my house within an hour and a half. The technician, Lucas Kaufmann, was exceptional. The job was not easy, but he figured the problem out and got me all fixed up within an hour's time. Moving forward, I…

Stephanie Brown

Cranford, NJ

Despite what was quite obviously a busy day (day after Thanksgiving at 10pm) TJ came out and did not leave until the job was done! There were several setbacks, which at the late hour might have prompted him to leave- but he chose to stay and continue until the job was complete! I only have one bathroom so I was really hoping he could make it work, and he really did a wonderful job! So thankful for all of his help! I highly recommend TJ!

Shaheen Dhanani

Union, NJ

This is my second time using Mr. Rooter and I have to say they are an excellent company of experienced professionals! The service techs were courteous, experienced and actually spent time trying to figure out the issue before proposing the solution. They were also patient and answered all my questions without rushing the work. I will be using them again.

Christie Murphy

Montgomery, NJ

TJ was amazing! 10/10 recommend this company. We were in an emergency state of panic with a burst pipe in the middle of a bad snowstorm. TJ came with knowledge, professionalism, kindness, and found the root of the problem within five minutes of being here. We will be using him again in the spring to fix an outdoor issue he found!

Alan Abraham

Clark, NJ

The technicians were friendly, professional and knowledgeable. The price was too high I believe, but the technicians had no control over that. The technicians took their time and did a great job. I would use them again and also recommend them.

Amy Swart

Berkeley Heights, NJ

Excellent service! Charles and Nicholas of Mr. Rooter arrived to my scheduled service a few minutes early, wore sanitary shoe coverings, and were extremely professional. They found the source of my leak quickly and fixed the issue. While they here, I requested an additional hydraulic heating inspection which they accommodated. They were very knowledgeable and provided helpful tips. I highly recommend this team and I will definitely call them for all future plumbing needs!!

JACKY Coppola

Wall Township, NJ

TJ came to my aid as the water pipe froze in my house. Although nothing could be done he gave me hints of what could be done my me which was very helpful. I found TJ very professional and caring about my situation. The best part of the very long night was the dogs adored him one wanted to accompany him to his next job. Thank you for employing such an amazing man. Plus today there is water running in the house. Thank you TJ and thank you Mr. Rooney plumbing for employing a man with helpful hints!!!!!

Track Your Water Bills

Be mindful and read between the lines. Has your water bill suddenly spiked? This would be expected if you have installed new appliances or, for example, a jacuzzi. But if your usage has been the same and the water bills are rising, then you might have a hidden leak somewhere in your house.

Check the Water Meter

The water meter measures to amount of water running through your plumbing system. It is also a great tool to check for hidden leaks. Tu off all the water in your home, making sure all faucets are shut off and no appliances are using water. Then, head out to check the water meter. If the water meter is changing, then you likely have a fast-moving leak. If it is not moving, then wait for about 30 minutes to an hour and check again. If the meter has changed even though all of the water in the house has been off, then you likely have a slow water leak.

Perform a Visual Inspection

Hidden leaks are difficult to pinpoint without special tools and equipment, but you can catch the signs of water damage. Take a walk around your home and look for evidence of leaks. Signs of a leak include dripping sounds, water stains, peeling paint and wallpaper, mold and mildew growth, and, of course, puddles of water. Some specific locations to check are beneath sinks and toilets, around the water heater and appliances, near the sump pump, around outside hose bibs, and in the basement.

The Food Dye Test for Toilet Leaks

Toilet leaks are especially common but can be subtle. Luckily, there is a quick test you can perform. Carefully remove the toilet lid and place it somewhere safe. Add a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank and leave it there for about half an hour. After thirty minutes is up, check the toilet bowl. If the food coloring has come through the tank and into the toilet bowl, then you have a toilet leak. Some of the inteal components of the toilet tank likely need to be repaired or replaced.

Schedule A Professional Leak Detection

If you prefer to get surefire results, then schedule a professional leak detection with Mr. Rooter Plumbing. We are also happy to arrange an emergency dispatch. Call now to speak with a live representative.

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