Signs of hidden water damage in your home
What to look and smell for
- A musty smell, strongest when the AC has been off
- Yellow or brown stains on ceilings and walls
- Bubbling, peeling or soft paint and drywall
- Baseboards swelling or pulling away
- Floorboards cupping or lifting, especially near the dishwasher or fridge
- Warm spots on tile floors (a sign of a hot-water slab leak)
Do a meter test
Turn off every faucet, appliance and the irrigation system. Look at the water meter and note the reading or the leak indicator (a small triangle or dial). Wait 15 minutes without using water. If the meter moved, water is leaking somewhere.
Common hidden spots
- Under kitchen and bathroom sinks
- Behind the dishwasher and refrigerator
- Around the toilet base and shower walls
- In the attic around the AC drain pan and water heater
- Under the slab in older DFW homes
What to do next
Shut off water to the suspected fixture, or the main if you can't find it. Call a plumber to find and fix the leak, and have wet areas checked with a moisture meter. Hidden leaks often mean mold has started, so don't just paint over stains.
Questions
Can a small leak cause serious damage?
Yes. A slow drip inside a wall can rot framing and grow mold for months before it shows.
Will insurance cover damage from a hidden leak?
Often not, if it happened over a long time. Finding leaks early limits both damage and disputes.
This guide is general information for Texas homeowners, not legal, insurance or safety advice for your situation. Check your policy and follow local codes.
