Hidden water leaks can cause major damage to your home — from rotted drywall and flooring to skyrocketing water bills. If you’re living in Tigard, Oregon, and suspect something’s leaking behind the scenes, this guide will help you catch the signs early and save hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars.
📍Serving Tigard? Get help from licensed experts: Einstein Pros – Plumbing Services in Tigard, Oregon
🚨 Why Hidden Water Leaks Are a Big Deal
According to the EPA, household leaks can waste nearly 10,000 gallons of water annually — enough to fill a backyard pool. Most of this comes from toilets, pipes, or fixtures you can’t see.
🔍 7 Ways to Detect Hidden Water Leaks
1. Check Your Water Bill
Compare your water bills month over month. A steady increase without obvious cause is a red flag.
2. Use the Water Meter Test
- Turn off all faucets and appliances.
- Note the water meter reading.
- Wait 2 hours.
- If the reading changes, you likely have a leak.
3. Inspect Walls and Ceilings
Look for:
- Discoloration
- Bubbling paint
- Musty odors
These are signs of water seeping behind drywall.
4. Test Toilets with Food Coloring
Add a few drops of food coloring to your toilet tank. If it appears in the bowl within 10 minutes, you’ve got a silent leak.
5. Look for Mold Growth
Mold behind baseboards, under sinks, or in closets usually means excess moisture.
6. Listen for Running Water Sounds
Turn off everything and listen. A faint trickling noise when no water is in use is often a hidden leak in pipes.
7. Use a Moisture Meter
Pick one up at your local Tigard hardware store to scan walls or floors. Readings above 20% moisture indicate a potential problem.
🛠️ Common Hidden Leak Locations in Tigard Homes
- Basements and crawl spaces
- Attic plumbing lines (especially during cold months)
- Behind bathroom vanities and kitchens
- Outdoor hose bibs and irrigation systems
💡 Pro Tip: Schedule a Leak Detection Service
If you’re still unsure where the leak is, call in the professionals. At Einstein Pros in Tigard, Oregon, we use advanced acoustic and thermal imaging tools to locate leaks without tearing into your walls.
💸 How Much Can You Save?
Catching leaks early could:
- Lower your utility bill by 10–20%
- Prevent $2,000–$10,000 in structural repairs
- Reduce mold remediation costs
✅ Final Checklist
✔ Watch your bill
✔ Use your water meter
✔ Inspect high-risk areas
✔ Call a trusted local plumber if unsure
🧠 Need Help? Contact Einstein Pros Tigard
Don’t let a small leak become a big problem. Reach out to your local leak detection experts in Tigard today:
🔗 Einstein Pros Plumbing – Tigard, Oregon
📞 Call: (503) 821-4070