Free checks · no tools needed
Catch the leak before it becomes a flood.
Most water damage starts small: a weeping supply line, a running toilet, a slow drip inside a wall. These guides help you find leaks early, and tell you what to do if one already has.
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The 15-minute water meter test
The quickest way to know whether water is escaping somewhere you can't see.
Full guide- Turn off every fixture and appliance, including irrigation, ice maker and softener.
- Find the meter: usually a box near the street, or in a basement or garage.
- Note the leak indicator — the small triangle or star dial — and the reading.
- Wait 15–30 minutes without using water.
- Moved? Close the house shutoff and re-test. Still moving: likely the service line. Stopped: the leak is inside — start with the toilet test.
Find it, fix it, prevent it
- 10 signs of a hidden leak→
- Toilet dye test→
- Find & test your main shutoff→
- Water heater leaks→
- Leak sensors & auto shutoff valves→
- Preventing frozen pipes→
- Ceiling stain: roof or plumbing?→
- Washing machine hoses→
- Leaving home? Checklist→
- The 15-Minute Water Meter Leak Test→
- How Professional Leak Detection Works→
- Water Leak Emergency→
- Finding and Fixing Leaks Under the Sink→
- How to Fix a Dripping Faucet→
- High Water Pressure→
- Shower Pan and Tile Leaks→
- Why Is My Dishwasher Leaking?→
- Refrigerator Ice Maker and Water Line Leaks→
- Outdoor Spigot (Hose Bib) Leaks→
- Finding Leaks in a Sprinkler or Irrigation System→
- Pinhole Leaks in Copper Pipe→
- AC Condensate Leaks→
- Water Heater Maintenance to Prevent Leaks→
- Slab Leak Signs and What to Do Next→
- Toilet Leaking at Base→
How this site works
- Read the guideDo the free checks first. Many leaks can be confirmed — or ruled out — without paying anyone.
- Get two or three quotesFrom independent, licensed local providers, written and itemized.
- Check before you hireVerify the license with your state's contractor licensing board, check recent reviews from more than one source, and be wary of pressure to sign the same day.
FAQ
Are you a plumber or restoration company?
No. We're an information and referral service.
Does homeowners insurance cover leaks?
Policies often cover sudden, accidental water damage but exclude gradual leaks and maintenance issues. Read your policy and call your insurer early.
How fast does mold grow after a leak?
Mold can begin to grow on damp materials within a day or two, which is why prompt drying matters.
Where is my main shutoff?
Commonly where the water line enters the house (basement, crawl space, garage or utility closet), or at the meter box. Find it before you need it.
Get free quotes
Most licensed plumbers and restoration companies give free written estimates. Two or three let you compare.
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Up to 3 local pros may contact you by phone or email about your job. If water is actively leaking or sewage is backing up, shut off the water at the main valve now.