How to Check for a Water Leak in Your House (Meter Test and More)

The water meter is the quickest test. With all water off, the small leak indicator on the meter should sit still. If it spins or the reading climbs over an hour or two of no use, water is leaking somewhere. A higher water bill, the sound of running water and damp spots are the other common signs.

Look for a stain, bubbling paint or soft drywall, especially below a bathroom or near the kitchen. A musty smell or mold along a baseboard is another sign. If the meter test shows a leak and nothing is wet where you can see, the leak may be inside a wall, under a floor or under a slab.

We confirm the leak at the water meter, then narrow it down section by section with moisture meters and thermal imaging. We only open a wall, ceiling or floor once we know exactly where the leak is, and only at that spot, which keeps the repair small.

Yes. A toilet flapper that leaks into the bowl can waste a lot of water without making much noise. It's one of the most common reasons for a surprise water bill. The food coloring test takes about 15 minutes and tells you if your toilet is the cause.

It depends on your policy and on the kind of leak. Many policies cover sudden water damage, like a pipe that bursts, but not slow leaks that went on for months. Fixing a leak early limits the damage either way. Our guide on insurance and plumbing repairs explains what's usually covered.