7 November 2026 · 1 min read · By the Plumbees team
Not every leak announces itself with a puddle. Pipes run behind walls, under floors and above ceilings, and a small leak can go unnoticed until it has caused real damage. These are the signs to look out for.
Seven warning signs
- Damp patches or stains on walls and ceilings that grow or darken over time
- Peeling paint, bubbling plaster or wallpaper that will not stay stuck
- A musty smell, or mould appearing in an area that was previously clean
- Floorboards or laminate that lift, warp or feel soft
- The sound of running or dripping water when everything is turned off
- A sudden rise in your water bill, or a meter that keeps moving
- Reduced water pressure with no obvious reason
A simple water meter test
If you have a water meter, this test takes a few minutes.
- Make sure no taps, showers, dishwashers or washing machines are running.
- Read the meter, or note the position of the small dial.
- Wait for 30 minutes to an hour without using any water.
- Read it again. If it has moved, water is escaping somewhere.
Do not ignore it
Hidden leaks rarely fix themselves. They can rot timber, damage plaster and encourage mould, and in flats they can affect the neighbours below. In many cases, a short investigation early on avoids a much bigger bill later.
What we do
We start with visual checks, moisture readings and listening, and only open up a floor or wall when we are confident where the problem is. See leaks and burst pipes, or send us the details and a photograph of the damp area if you have one.