Because plumbing systems run behind walls and underground, a leak can exist for weeks or even months before it becomes visible to the naked eye. However, your home usually gives you subtle warnings before catastrophic damage occurs. Paying attention to these changes can save you thousands of dollars in restoration costs.

Here are the most common indicators that you need to call a professional:

• Higher-than-normal water bills: If your usage hasn’t changed but your bill has spiked, water is escaping somewhere in your system. This is often the first red flag for homeowners.
• Sounds of running water: If you can hear water rushing, hissing, or dripping even when all faucets and appliances are turned off, you likely have a leak behind a wall or under the floor.
• Damp spots or mold growth: Unexplained wet patches on drywall, ceilings, or carpets are clear indicators of a pipe failure. You might also notice a musty smell or visible mold in corners.
• Warm floors or foundation cracks: These are specific slab leak signs. If a specific spot on your floor feels hot to the touch, a hot water line under your foundation may have burst.
• Low water pressure: A sudden drop in water pressure across multiple fixtures can indicate a significant breach in your main water line.