Water leaks aren’t always as obvious as a dripping faucet or a puddle under the sink. Some of the most damaging leaks stay hidden behind walls, under floors, or beneath your foundation—often for months—before homeowners notice something is wrong. By that time, the damage can be extensive, costly, and disruptive.

If you suspect a hidden plumbing leak in your Georgetown, TX home, you’re not alone. Central Texas homes experience more plumbing issues than many people realize, especially with shifting soils, aging pipes, and high-mineral water. Knowing the signs early is the key to protecting your property, preventing mold growth, and avoiding unexpected repair bills.

At Proverbs Plumbing, helping homeowners protect what matters most is part of our mission. Below, we’ll walk you through the most common indicators of hidden leaks, why they happen, and what you should do if you notice them.

Why Hidden Water Leak Detection Matters

A hidden water leak is more than an inconvenience—it’s a threat to your home’s structure and your family’s health. If left untreated, hidden leaks can lead to:

• Mold and mildew growth
• Wood rot and structural damage
• Foundation issues
• Higher water bills
• Water-stained walls and flooring
• Reduced water pressure
• Flooding or sewer backup

Most leaks start small, especially in places like crawl spaces, attics, and behind walls. Over time, that moisture spreads, damaging building materials and encouraging mold. What could have been a simple pipe repair becomes thousands of dollars in restoration work. Because of this, early detection is critical—and awareness is your first line of defense.

Top Signs You May Have a Hidden Water Leak

If you notice any of the warning signs below, it’s time to schedule a professional inspection.

1) Sudden or Unexplained Increase in Your Water Bill

Your water usage shouldn’t spike unexpectedly. If it does—and you haven’t been filling a pool, running your sprinkler system more than usual, or hosting guests—it’s likely something is leaking somewhere in the house. Even small pinhole leaks in copper or PEX piping can waste hundreds of gallons of water each month.

Pro tip: Compare bills from the same month last year. Seasonal changes can affect bills, but significant jumps without explanation are suspicious.

2) Low Water Pressure

Changes in water pressure can indicate mineral buildup, corrosion, or a leak between your main supply and fixtures. If you’ve noticed that your shower pressure isn’t what it used to be—or your faucets take longer to fill a sink—there’s a chance water is escaping underground or inside a wall.

3) Sounds of Running Water When Nothing is On

Hearing running or dripping water when no fixtures are in use is a classic indicator of a leak. Listen for:

• Hissing
• Dripping
• Rushing water
• “Tapping” in walls

These noises can mean water is moving where it shouldn’t be—especially at night when the house is quiet.

4) Musty or Damp Odors

Moisture trapped inside walls creates an ideal environment for mold. Even before you see spots on the surface, you’ll often smell a musty, humid odor. Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens are the most common areas, but leaks can appear anywhere a pipe runs. If an area smells like mildew despite regular cleaning, it’s worth investigating.

5) Discoloration or Staining on Ceilings and Walls

Brown, yellow, or darker spots on drywall often indicate that water has been sitting in the wall long enough to saturate the material. This can come from:

• Plumbing leaks
• HVAC condensation lines
• Roof leaks
• Siding failures

A plumber can help diagnose whether the water source is from your plumbing system or another part of the home.

6) Warm or Cold Spots on Floors

If you feel an unusually warm area on your floor—especially tile or concrete—the cause may be a hot-water slab leak. Cold spots may also occur in areas where water is pooling beneath the flooring. Georgetown and surrounding Central Texas communities are predisposed to foundation movement due to soil composition. That means slab leaks are not uncommon, especially in older homes.

7) Mold or Mildew Growth

Mold needs moisture—and a lot less of it than you might expect. If you notice mold on walls, ceilings, or baseboards, there’s likely a consistent source of water behind the surface. Even if the affected area is small, mold is a sign that something is creating the dampness. Don’t ignore it.

8) Peeling Paint or Bubbling Wallpaper

Moisture weakens the adhesive, causing the paint to bubble or peel. If you notice:

• Warped sheetrock
• Softened drywall
• Bubbling texture under paint

…there’s probably a leak nearby.

9) Water Pooling Indoors or Outdoors

Small puddles can be a warning sign—especially if they reappear regularly. Common spots:

• Near water heaters
• Near toilets
• Around washers
• Along exterior foundation walls

If your yard stays soggy long after rain, you may have a leak in an underground line.

10) Cracks in Your Foundation

Texas soil expands and contracts with moisture and temperature. Water leaks beneath your foundation speed up this movement, leading to cracking, shifting, or sinking. Foundation issues are expensive to fix—and catching leaks early is one of the best ways to prevent them.