Detecting and Repairing Hidden Leaks Before They Cause Damage

By Croteau Plumbing
on
Technician using leak detection equipment

🧐 Do You Have a Hidden Leak? Here's How to Tell

Hidden leaks can sneak up on anyone—homeowners and businesses alike. One day, everything seems fine. The next, you notice a musty smell or a spike in your water bill. Ignoring the signs can cost you big time, but catching leaks early is easier than you think.

At Croteau Plumbing, we’re here to help you spot trouble before it turns into an emergency plumbing situation. Our expert team handles leak detection, leak repair, drain cleaning, and everything from unclogging toilets to water heater installation. Read on to learn how to protect your property with simple DIY checks and advanced solutions.


🚩 Common Signs of Hidden Plumbing Leaks

Spotting a hidden leak early can save you thousands—on repairs and water bills alike. Keep an eye (and nose!) out for these warning signs:

  • 💧 Unexplained High Water Bills: Has your bill jumped, but your usage hasn’t? A hidden leak may be the culprit.
  • 🦠 Mold or Mildew: Watch for fuzzy spots or stains on walls, ceilings, or floors, especially if there’s a musty smell.
  • 🫧 Musty Odors: Persistent damp or earthy smells can signal water pooling where it shouldn’t.
  • 🕳️ Foundation Cracks: Cracks in your walls, floors, or foundation could be from leaks weakening the structure over time.
  • 🛁 Wet Spots: Unusual damp areas, warped flooring, or bubbling paint are red flags.
  • 🚽 Noisy Pipes: If you hear running water when taps are off, it’s time to investigate!

Pro Tip: Write down your water meter reading before bed. Don’t use water overnight, and check the meter in the morning. If the number’s gone up, you likely have a leak.


💥 Why Ignoring Leaks is Risky

It’s tempting to put off leak repairs, but the risks are huge:

  • Structural Damage: Water can erode beams, walls, and floors, leading to costly repairs.
  • Health Hazards: Mold and mildew from leaks can create serious respiratory problems, especially for kids and seniors.
  • Higher Bills: Every drop adds up. Even a small leak can waste thousands of gallons per year.
  • Emergency Plumbing: What starts as a trickle can become a burst pipe, causing water damage, flooding, and expensive emergency plumbing calls.

🛠️ Simple DIY Leak Detection Checks

Before you call a pro, try these easy checks around your property:

1. Monitor Your Water Meter

Shut off all faucets and appliances. Watch your water meter for 30-60 minutes. If the dial moves, there’s a leak.

2. Food Coloring Test for Toilets

Add a few drops of food coloring to your toilet tank. Don’t flush for 15 minutes. If the bowl changes color, your toilet is leaking.

3. Inspect Under Sinks and Appliances

Look for puddles, corrosion, or water stains under sinks, behind the fridge, and around your washing machine.

4. Check Outdoor Faucets and Hoses

Leaky outdoor taps and hoses are common hiding spots. Watch for puddles or dripping.

5. Listen and Smell

Trust your senses—if you hear water running or smell mustiness, it’s time to investigate.


👷‍♂️ When to Call Croteau Plumbing for Leak Detection

Some leaks hide deep in walls, under slabs, or beneath your yard. That’s when you need our pros. Here’s what sets Croteau Plumbing apart:

  • Non-Invasive Technology: We use thermal imaging, acoustic sensors, and moisture meters to pinpoint leaks—no messy demolition needed.
  • Fast Response: Whether it’s emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, toilet repair, or pipe repair, our team arrives quickly and works efficiently.
  • Experience You Can Trust: With decades of service, our licensed plumbers handle everything—kitchen plumbing, bathroom plumbing, sewer line repair, boiler repair, sump pump repair, gas line installation, and more.
  • Clear Explanations: We’ll show you what we find, explain your options, and answer all your questions—no jargon, no surprises.

🏆 Real Success Stories from Our Customers

Nothing beats real stories from your neighbors! Here’s how Croteau Plumbing has helped property owners like you:

Case 1: The Mysterious Water Bill

A local family saw their water bill double overnight. DIY checks revealed nothing. Our team used advanced leak detection tools and found a hidden pipe leak behind their bathroom wall—fixed fast, with zero drywall damage.

Case 2: Preventing Basement Floods

A small crack in a foundation wall was letting water seep into a finished basement. Our non-invasive detection found the source, and our team repaired the leak and installed a sump pump for extra protection. The basement is now dry and safe.

Case 3: Commercial Leak Disaster Averted

A restaurant owner noticed soggy drywall behind the kitchen sink. Croteau Plumbing’s leak detection found a pinhole leak in a copper pipe. We repaired it, restored water pressure, and kept their business running.


🧰 More Than Just Leak Repair: Our Full Plumbing Services

Whether you need routine drain cleaning, emergency plumbing, water heater installation or repair, unclogging toilets, backflow testing or prevention, fixture installation, sewer line installation or inspection, repiping, water filtration systems, garbage disposal repair, or gas safety checks—Croteau Plumbing has you covered!

We handle:

  • Bathroom plumbing & kitchen plumbing
  • Leak repair & pipe repair
  • Water pressure issues
  • Preventative maintenance plans
  • Boiler repair & sump pump repair
  • Gas line installation & safety checks

Looking for “leak detection near you”? We’re local and ready to help, 24/7.


👨‍🔧 Why Choose Croteau Plumbing? Trust, Technology, and Results

  • Trusted & Licensed Professionals: Every plumber is trained, background-checked, and insured.
  • Local Experts: We know the area and the unique plumbing challenges you face.
  • Cutting-Edge Tools: Our equipment finds leaks fast—saving you time, money, and stress.
  • Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees. Free, clear estimates before work begins.
  • Customer Satisfaction: Hundreds of five-star reviews. We guarantee our work!

🛡️ Tips to Prevent Future Leaks

  • Schedule annual preventative maintenance with a trusted plumber.
  • Check appliance hoses and under sinks every few months.
  • Don’t ignore minor drips—catching issues early protects your property value.
  • Know where your main water shutoff is—so you can act fast in an emergency.

☎️ Act Fast—Protect Your Property from Hidden Water Damage!

If you suspect a leak, don’t wait until it becomes an expensive emergency plumbing problem! The sooner you act, the more you’ll save.

Call the experts at Croteau Plumbing—your trusted team for leak detection, drain cleaning, leak repair, and all your plumbing needs near you.

Call Croteau Plumbing Now at  888-788-9978  for fast, friendly service. We’re here 24/7 to keep your home or business safe, comfortable, and leak-free!


Croteau Plumbing: Reliable, Local, Ready to Help!

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Need a plumber fast? Call Croteau Plumbing now for help! 888-788-9978