Stains and bubbling paint
Brown rings on ceilings, bubbling paint and peeling wallpaper point to moisture behind the surface. The stain is where the water came out, not always where it started.
Musty smells
A damp smell in a closet, cabinet or basement means moisture is present, even when you cannot see it.
Higher water bills
A sudden increase with no change in use can mean a hidden leak. Check the meter with everything off to see if it moves.
Sounds and pressure
Dripping behind walls, hissing pipes or low water pressure can signal a leak or a failing fitting.
Soft floors and warped trim
Floors that feel soft, baseboards that swell and cabinets that warp suggest slow leaks under sinks and appliances.
What to do
Shut off water to the fixture or the house, photograph the damage and dry the area. Find and fix the source before repairing the damage, and call a plumber for hidden or major leaks.
Find and stop the leak first. Repairs come after the water does.
