4 Simple Ways to Detect a Water Leak

Posted: May 09, 2025
Author: AdvantaClean of West Knoxville

1. Watch Out for Unexplainable Spikes in Your Monthly Bill. A sudden increase in your water bill without a major change in usage patterns is often a major red flag. Track your bills monthly and investigate any unusual increases—they rarely happen without cause. Even a minor water leak can add a significant cost to your monthly water charges.
2. Check Your Water-Using Appliances and Fixtures. Regularly inspect areas around dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters, and under-sink plumbing. If you discover any dampness, warped flooring, or musty odors, there’s likely a water leak.
3. Look for Discoloration. Discoloration, especially in the form of yellowish or brownish stains, could indicate water damage and the presence of a leak. These signs often appear on walls sharing plumbing lines or ceilings that have plumbing on them and usually indicate bigger problems behind the scenes.
4. Examine Your Lawn. Unexpectedly lush patches of grass or persistently wet areas in your yard could indicate an underground leak. Additionally, if you notice soggy/muddy spots in your yard—especially during dry spells—you might be dealing with a leak in your irrigation system or the main water line.