How to Spot Hidden Water Leaks in Your Adelaide Home

Is your water bill higher than expected? Chances are, there might be a hidden water leak somewhere in your home. Adelaide households often don’t realise this serious plumbing issue, as it rarely makes itself visible. Most leaks happen quietly, behind walls or under floors. Signs of damage appear much later. But a good plumber can spot pipe leaks and save you thousands down the line. Here’s what we’ve learned about hidden leaks in Adelaide over the years.

Key Signs of a Hidden Leak

Most plumbers are called on suspicion of a hidden pipe leak after homeowners experience one of the following signs.

• Unexplained high water bills
• Musty smell in the house
• Mould growth around water fixtures
• Damp or stained walls/ceilings
• Peeling paint
• Warped flooring
• Sound of running water when taps are off
• Hot water system constantly running
• Meter ticking, even when no water is in use

If you see one of these, book an inspection by an expert plumber ASAP.

Common Adelaide Hidden Leak Hotspots

In Adelaide, we see the same trouble areas again and again when it comes to hidden water damage. Knowing where these leaks often start can save you from bigger headaches down the track.

Old Pipes in Older Homes

Many suburbs still have ageing underground pipes. Over time, they get damaged and cracked. The result? Slow leaks you won’t notice until your water bill spikes.

Toilets That Leak Silently

A constantly running toilet is one of the most common hidden leaks. You might not hear it, but it can waste hundreds of litres a day.

Shower Recesses and Bathrooms

Poor sealing around tiles and shower bases lets water seep behind walls. By the time stains appear outside the bathroom, the damage inside is already done.

Hot Water Units

Small drips from the parts often go unnoticed. Left unchecked, they drive up bills and shorten the lifespan of your system.

These are the areas we check first on any leak inspection. Spotting them early is the difference between a simple repair and thousands in water damage.

Plumbing Checks Adelaide Homeowners Must Know

Before you call in a plumber, there are a few quick checks you can do at home. Start with your water meter. Turn off every tap and appliance and take a look. If the dial is still ticking over, water is moving somewhere it shouldn’t. That’s one of the clearest signs of a hidden leak.

Toilets and taps are another common culprit. A slow drip around the base of a toilet. Or, a tap that never quite shuts off may look harmless. But those tiny leaks add up quickly on your bill.

Don’t forget the spaces you rarely look at. Under-sink cabinets often hide small drips or stains. Running your hand along the pipes can reveal moisture that isn’t obvious at first glance.

If you’re worried about walls, grab a dry cloth and press it against the surface. Even the slightest damp patch means water is sneaking through where it shouldn’t.

These simple checks can’t replace a professional inspection, but they do give you a head start. If something feels off, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Book an Inspection with Lucas Plumbing and Gas

Hidden leaks are serious. Prompt repairs are required to avoid structural damage. And when we talk about quick plumbing repairs in Adelaide, there’s one name that stands out: Lucas Plumbing and Gas.

Why homeowners trust us:

• Local and family-operated
• 24/7 availability in all suburbs
• Industry-leading response times
• No compromise on quality
• Honest communication and pricing

Don’t Let a Hidden Leak Destroy Your Home

A hidden leak in the wall does more damage than a dripping tap you can see. One wastes a bit of water. The other silently eats away at your home. Not just that, it drives up bills and results in continuous losses.

For greater peace of mind, get an opinion from the area experts. We fixed it before, and we can do it for your family too. Call (08) 8004 5275 or book online now.