Water leaks in the home can cause all kinds of complications. First, there is the issue of rising water bills that you cannot properly account for. Then there is the possible damage that pools of water can cause including damaging wood floors and causing mold or mildew to grow. If the water leak is hidden, it becomes imperative to find out its location so it can quickly be resolved before much damage is caused and harm is done to the health of vulnerable occupants.
Water consumption
The first sign that something may be wrong and you need to investigate is an unusual change to your water bill. The cost may fluctuate as water companies do often adjust their rates, but the amount consumed should not be unusually high if there is no obvious reason. A sudden spike in consumption may indicate that there is water leaking somewhere you are not seeing.
You can even check on your water meter to see if it is still running, even when you know all water sources have been shut off. For a slow leak, you may need to leave all water sources off for a few hours to see if the reading on your meter changes.
Inspect your property
Start with all the places you know water is used, especially bathrooms and kitchens. Look over pipes and drains to see if there are any pools of water or other sign. If it is the tank to your toilet leaking, you can add food coloring to its water and check back later to see if the water leaked into the bowl. be wary of patches forming on the ceiling, peeling paint, and signs of fungus or mildew forming.
Do not just be guided by sight. Stagnant water or that which has been absorbed by wood, cartons, and other materials will often give off an odor. Check the areas where your pipes pass, even in the ceilings and basement to check for signs of leakage.
Exterior
Water leaks can also happen when you have external water connections for outdoor taps and sprinkler systems. Inspect your outdoor area thoroughly to see if there are pools of water that have been collected and decipher what could be causing it. Be especially keen on sprinkler system leaks as they can lose a lot of water in a very short amount of time.
If all fails and you cannot seem to trace the source, do not keep ignoring the issue. Call in a plumber who can carry out a more detailed inspection to find the source. The earlier you can get this problem fixed, the less damage it is likely to result in and the lower costs for repair.