Winter’s freezing temperatures can turn a small, unnoticed leak into a burst pipe nightmare. The good news? Most hidden leaks leave clues if you know where to look. Taking time now to hunt down these sneaky drips can save you from thousands in water damage repairs when temperatures plummet.
Let’s walk through how to spot hidden leaks in your home before they become a cold-weather catastrophe.
Why winter makes leaks worse.
When water freezes, it expands. That small leak dripping behind your wall? It’s creating moisture that can freeze, putting pressure on pipes until they crack or burst completely. Even a tiny leak can waste gallons of water daily, and in winter, that wasted water becomes ice that damages your home’s structure, insulation and foundation.
The cost of ignoring a hidden leak goes beyond your water bill. Frozen pipes can burst suddenly, flooding your home with hundreds of gallons of water in minutes. Water damage restoration, mold remediation and pipe replacement can easily run into the thousands.
Common places to check for leaks.
Hidden leaks love to lurk in spots you don’t check often. Here’s where to focus your search:
- Under sinks and around toilets: Check for water stains, warped cabinets or a musty smell
- Behind appliances: Pull out your washing machine, dishwasher and refrigerator to inspect hoses and connections
- In crawl spaces and basements: Look for damp spots, rust on pipes or water pooling
- Around water heaters: Inspect the base for moisture or corrosion
- In attics: Check for water stains on rafters or insulation
- Behind walls: Listen for dripping sounds or look for discolored drywall and peeling paint
Signs you’ve got a hidden leak.
Sometimes you can’t see the leak, but you can spot the evidence it leaves behind. Watch for these red flags:
- Your water bill suddenly jumps without explanation
- You hear running water when no faucets are on
- There are mysterious wet spots on floors, walls or ceilings
- Your water meter keeps running even when all water is turned off
- You notice a musty odor or see mold growth
- Walls or floors feel warm or damp to the touch
- Your water pressure drops unexpectedly
Some of the most damaging leaks occur in places you can’t easily see:
- behind washing machines and dishwashers
- under slab foundations
- in crawl spaces and attics
- behind water heaters
- inside walls near bathrooms and kitchens
- at pipe joints in uninsulated areas.
How to check for leaks yourself.
Before calling in the pros, you can do some detective work on your own. Start with the water meter test: turn off all water in your home, check your meter reading, wait an hour without using any water, then check again. If the meter moved, you’ve got a leak somewhere.
Check your toilet by adding food coloring to the tank. If color appears in the bowl within 15 minutes without flushing, your flapper needs replacing. Test visible pipes by running a dry paper towel along joints and connections to spot moisture.
Walk through your home and listen carefully for the sound of running water. Check outdoor spigots and hose connections too—these are especially vulnerable to freezing.
What to do if you find a leak.
Small visible leaks at faucets or under sinks might seem manageable, but any leak deserves professional attention before winter arrives. What looks minor now can worsen quickly when temperatures drop.
For hidden leaks behind walls or under floors, professional detection is your best option. Our technicians use specialized equipment to locate leaks without tearing up your home unnecessarily.
When to call the professionals.
Some leak detection requires equipment and expertise beyond a DIY approach. If you suspect a leak but can’t locate it, or if you’ve found a leak in a hard-to-reach area, it’s time to call Bell Cow.
Our plumbers use advanced tools like thermal imaging cameras and acoustic leak detectors to find hidden leaks without tearing apart your walls. We offer drain camera diagnostics to inspect pipes from the inside, identifying problems before they escalate.
Don’t wait until you’re dealing with a burst pipe emergency. Schedule a plumbing inspection now, and if you discover a leak, our team can handle repairs quickly—from simple fixes to full water line or sewer line replacement.
Preventing frozen pipe disasters.
Once you’ve tracked down and fixed any leaks, take these steps to protect your pipes through winter:
- Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics and garages
- Seal gaps around pipes where they enter your home to keep cold air out
- Let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold snaps to keep water moving
- Keep cabinet doors open under sinks to allow warm air to circulate
- Maintain your home’s temperature above 55 degrees, even when you’re away
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses before the first freeze
Keep your plumbing safe this winter.
Finding and fixing hidden leaks before winter arrives is one of the smartest things you can do as a homeowner. With freezing temperatures on the way, now’s the time to inspect your plumbing, address any issues and winterize your pipes.
At Bell Cow, we make leak detection and repair straightforward and stress-free. Our experienced plumbers serve the Triangle and Sandhills regions of North Carolina, plus Hampton Roads and Richmond in Virginia. We’re available for emergency plumbing services because we know pipe problems don’t wait for business hours.
Don’t let a hidden leak turn into a frozen pipe disaster. Call us today at (844) 234-2355 or fill out our quick contact form to schedule your plumbing inspection today.
Don’t get milked by the other guys–experience the Bell Cow difference today.