What to Do When You Suspect a Water Leak

You've noticed the signs—a high water bill, the sound of running water, a damp spot on the floor. You suspect you have a leak, but what do you do next? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you take control of the situation and minimize damage.

Step 1: Confirm You Have a Leak

Before calling anyone, do a simple water meter test:

1. Turn off all water inside your home (faucets, dishwasher, washing machine, ice maker)
2. Turn off your irrigation system
3. Go to your water meter (usually near the street in a covered box)
4. Look for the flow indicator—a small triangle or dial
5. If it's moving with all water off, you have a leak

You can also write down the meter reading, wait 2 hours without using any water, and check again. If the number changed, water is leaking somewhere.

Step 2: Determine If It's an Emergency

Some leaks require immediate action:

• Water gushing or spraying: Emergency—shut off main water valve immediately
• Water near electrical panels or outlets: Emergency—shut off water and call an electrician
• Ceiling bulging with water: Emergency—place buckets, shut off water, call for help
• Slow leak or high bill: Urgent but not emergency—schedule detection soon

Step 3: Know Where Your Shut-Off Valves Are

Every homeowner should know the location of these valves BEFORE an emergency:

• Main water shut-off: Usually near the water meter or where the main line enters your home
• Toilet shut-offs: Behind each toilet near the floor
• Sink shut-offs: Under each sink
• Water heater shut-off: On the cold water line entering the heater
• Irrigation shut-off: Usually in a valve box in your yard

Step 4: Check the Obvious Spots

Before calling a professional, do a quick check of common leak locations:

• Toilets: Listen for running water, check for wobbling, do the dye test
• Under sinks: Look for drips, moisture, or water stains
• Water heater: Check for puddles around the base
• Washing machine: Inspect hoses for cracks or bulges
• Outside faucets: Check for drips, especially hose bibs

Step 5: Document Everything

If you plan to file an insurance claim or need records for any reason:

• Take photos and videos of any visible water damage
• Save your water bills showing the usage spike
• Note when you first noticed signs of a leak
• Keep records of any conversations with plumbers or leak detection specialists

Step 6: Call a Leak Detection Specialist

If you can't find the leak yourself, it's time to call in the pros. A leak detection specialist uses advanced equipment to find hidden leaks without destructive investigation. This is especially important for:

• Slab leaks (under your foundation)
• Leaks inside walls
• Underground pipe leaks
• Irrigation system leaks

Why Detection Before Repair?

Some homeowners call a plumber first, but here's the problem: plumbers fix leaks, they don't always have specialized equipment to find them. This can lead to exploratory demolition—cutting holes in walls or breaking up concrete to search for the leak.

A leak detection specialist pinpoints the exact location first, so repairs are targeted and minimal. At Active Leak Solutions, we focus only on detection—we don't do repairs. This means you get an unbiased assessment, and your plumber knows exactly where to work.