How to Detect and Fix a Leaking Pipe in Your Home

A leaking pipe might not always be easy to spot, but it can waste a lot of water. In fact, the Alliance for Water Efficiency says that an average home can lose between 2,000 to 20,000 gallons of water every year due to leaks. That’s a lot of wasted water and money.

Some leaks are easy to see, like a dripping faucet or a leaking water heater. But other leaks, like those in toilet valves or hidden water lines, can go unnoticed for a long time. That’s when small problems turn into big ones.

Even small leaks can cause serious damage. They can ruin your floors, walls, and even the structure of your home. That’s why it’s important to fix a leaking pipe right away.

If you’re in Mississauga or Toronto, Yess Boss Plumbers can help. We offer home pipe leak repair across Canada. 

Why Pipes Leak in Your House?

Corrosion

Old pipes, especially in older Toronto homes, can corrode over time. Galvanized steel and copper pipes wear down and let water through small holes. If your home has older pipes, consider replacing them with newer materials like PEX or PVC.

High Water Pressure

Too much water pressure can be a problem. It puts stress on your pipes. Over time, this causes leaks, especially at the joints. If you think your water pressure is too high, a pressure-reducing valve can help.

Damaged Joints

Pipe joints can wear out with age. Temperature changes, movement, and daily use can make them crack or loosen. When that happens, leaks start. A local plumber for leaking pipes in Toronto can check and repair these joints.

Freezing Temperatures

In winter, water in your pipes can freeze. Frozen water expands and may crack your pipes. That’s why pipe insulation is important, especially during cold Toronto winters. It helps prevent water damage before it starts.

Clogs in Pipes

Clogged pipes build up pressure. This pressure forces water out through weak spots. Over time, these turn into bigger leaks. Don’t pour grease or trash down the drain. Regular plumbing checks also help avoid clogs.

Tree Roots

Tree roots can grow into your underground pipes. They look for water and can crack your plumbing. If you notice slow drains or bad smells, tree roots might be the cause. Call for emergency plumbing services in Toronto if you think this is happening.

Loose Connectors

Appliance hoses, like those on washing machines or dishwashers, can come loose. Vibration and age make this worse. If you see leaks near your appliances, check the connectors.

Foundation Shifts

Houses move a little as they settle. Heavy rain, construction nearby, or poor drainage can shift the foundation. Pipes can move, too, which may cause hidden leaks. These aren’t easy to spot, but regular pipe inspections help.

Worn-Out Pipes

All pipes wear out eventually. If your pipes are old or have been fixed many times, it might be time to replace them. Newer pipes are safer and last longer.

How to Detect a Leaking Pipe at Home

Finding a leaking pipe early can save you from bigger repairs later. Water damage can build up fast, even from small leaks. That’s why it’s important to check your home regularly and know what signs to look for..

1. Watch Your Water Bill

Your bill can tell you a lot.
If you see a sudden increase and you haven’t changed your water use, it might mean there’s a hidden leak somewhere.

It’s smart to check your bill every month and compare it to past months. This helps you spot any strange spikes.

Tip for Toronto residents:
Use the MyWaterToronto tool. It helps you track your water use daily, weekly, or monthly. Just log in with your utility account to keep an eye on your usage. This can help you catch a leaking pipe early.

2. Check the Water Meter

This is one of the easiest ways to detect a pipe leak.
First, turn off all taps, appliances, and toilets. Make sure nothing in the house is using water.

Then, look at the water meter. If it’s still moving, even with everything off, you likely have a leak.

Also, listen closely. If you hear running water but nothing’s on, that’s another strong sign you need home pipe leak repair.

3. Look for Visible Signs

Use your eyes and ears.

• Listen for dripping or rushing water when all fixtures are off.
  
• Check walls and ceilings for water stains or discolored spots.
  
• Look at exposed pipes. Rust, cracks, or corrosion may mean trouble.
  
• Don’t forget to look under sinks, behind your dishwasher, or near your hot water tank. These are common spots where leaks start.

4. Look for Dampness or Mold

Leaks often leave behind moisture.
If you smell a musty odor or see damp spots on your floors or walls, a hidden pipe leak may be the cause.

Basements and crawl spaces are common places for leaks to hide. Check for water damage, stains, or damp patches. These signs mean you need pipe leak detection right away.

5. Test Your Toilet with Dye

Toilets are a common cause of leaks.

Here’s a simple test:
Put food coloring or a dye tablet in your toilet tank. Wait about 10–15 minutes without flushing. If the color shows up in the bowl, your toilet flapper is leaking.

This small issue can waste a lot of water. It’s an easy fix but can cause big bills if ignored.

6. Call in the Experts When Needed

Some leaks are hard to find. If you think there’s a leak under your home’s concrete slab, or if your pipes run underground, don’t try to fix it yourself. These jobs need professional leak detection.

Also, if you’ve done all the basic checks and still can’t find the leak, it’s time to bring in a plumbing expert like Yess Boss Plumbers. We are available 24/7 all year round. Moreover, we also Free Inspection as well. 

Read More: “Why You Should Get a Plumbing Inspection in Mississauga”

Steps To Fix a Leaking Pipe at Home

If you see a small water leak at home, you might want to fix it yourself. There are a few simple ways to do that. These DIY fixes can help in the short term, but they won’t solve the problem for good.

Let’s walk through some basic steps for DIY home pipe leak repair.

Step 1: Turn Off the Water

Before doing anything, turn off the water.
Find the main valve in your home and shut it off. This will stop more water from leaking.

Next, open your faucets. This drains any water left inside the pipes. It helps keep things dry while you work on the leaking pipe.

Step 2: Try a Temporary Fix

There are a few tools and materials that can hold off a leak, for now.

• Pipe Clamps
  These wrap around the pipe and press a rubber gasket over the leak. It holds back water until you can get help.
  
• Epoxy Putty
  This is good for small leaks. You knead the putty, press it over the leak, and let it harden. It creates a seal for a few days.
  
• Rubber Pipe Repair Tape
  This tape wraps tightly around the pipe. It sticks to itself and creates a seal that holds for a little while.

Remember: These quick fixes are only for small, easy-to-reach leaks. They won’t work for big problems or hidden pipes.

Tools You’ll Need

If you want to try a DIY plumbing repair, keep these tools ready:

• Adjustable wrench
  
• Plumber’s tape
  
• Bucket (for water)
  
• Rubber gloves
  
• Pipe clamp, epoxy, or repair tape
  

Why DIY Plumbing Doesn’t Always Work

DIY fixes might stop the leak for now, but they don’t fix the real issue. That leak may return—or get worse.

Here’s why DIY doesn’t always work:

• Hidden Damage
  A small leak might mean a bigger issue in your plumbing system. DIY won’t catch that.
  
• Worse Damage Later
  A bad repair can lead to more leaks, higher bills, or even burst pipes.
  
• No Proper Tools or Training
  Licensed plumbers use tools that most people don’t have. They also know how to spot and fix problems the right way.

So, if your pipe is leaking more than once, or you see signs of water damage, it’s best to bring in a pro.

When to Call a Plumber

Here’s when you should stop the DIY and call a plumbing expert:

• You’ve had to fix the same leak more than once
  
• You see water stains on your walls, ceilings, or floors
  
• Your pipe is cracked, burst, or leaking badly
  
• Your water pressure suddenly drops
  

These are signs of a bigger issue. You need professional pipe leak detection and plumbing leak repair.

Let Yess Boss Plumbers Handle It – Free Leak Inspections Available

Not sure where the leak is coming from? Don’t stress. Yess Boss Plumbers offers free home leak inspections to help you find the source fast, before the damage spreads.

We serve homes all over Canada, providing expert plumbing, pipe repair, and water leak detection services. Take a look at all the services we offer here.

Whether it’s a simple fix or a serious issue, our licensed plumbers will take care of it quickly and cleanly.

• No hidden charges
• 24/7 service available
• Trusted professionals
• Fully licensed and insured

Call Yess Boss Plumbers today to book your free inspection. Let’s fix that leak before it turns into a major problem.

Quick FAQs

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only. For professional assistance and advice, please contact experts.