Living in Portland, we are used to rain. Wet sidewalks and puddles in the driveway are normal.
But water inside your house where it doesn’t belong?
That is different. A hidden leak can sneak up on you and cause more damage than a rainstorm ever could.
Water leaks in a can quietly ruin walls and floors, feed mold growth, and waste a surprising amount of water before you even notice. The good news is that most leaks leave clues if you know what to watch for.
In this blog, we will walk through six common signs of a water leak that Portland homeowners should look out for. If you catch these early, you can save yourself from bigger problems later.
And if you are not sure, Roth has been helping families in Portland and Central Oregon since 1976 with leak detection and plumbing repair, so you always have a local team to call.
1. A Water Bill That Doesn’t Make Sense
If your water bill suddenly spikes and nothing about your routine has changed, you may have a leak. Even a slow drip that never stops can add up fast.
An easy way to check is to look at your water meter.
Write down the number, then avoid using water for a couple of hours. No flushing toilets, no running faucets, no appliances. If the number goes up anyway, water is moving somewhere it shouldn’t.
2. Stains on Ceilings, Walls, or Floors
Brown or yellow spots on your ceiling or walls often mean water is leaking from above or behind the surface. On floors, water damage might show up as stains, warping, or soft spots.
With our damp Portland climate, it is easy to brush off marks like these as humidity. But stains that spread, sagging drywall, or bubbling wallpaper usually point to water getting into places it doesn’t belong.
3. Musty or Moldy Smells
Sometimes you can smell the problem before you can see it. A musty or earthy odor is a strong clue that moisture is present.
Mold and mildew thrive in damp conditions and can start growing within a couple of days. Pay attention to smells in basements, bathrooms, or laundry areas. If the odor lingers after cleaning, a hidden leak may be the cause.
4. Hearing Water When Everything Is Off
Have you ever sat in a quiet room and thought you heard water? If every faucet is shut off and no appliances are running, those sounds matter.
Dripping, hissing, or running water behind walls or under floors usually means a leak. Try turning off all water use in the house and listen closely. If the sound is still there, it is time to investigate.
5. Floors That Start to Change
Leaks don’t just show up in walls or ceilings. They can show up under your feet. Hardwood floors may warp or buckle, carpets may feel damp, and vinyl flooring can peel up around the edges.
These problems are often found near dishwashers, washing machines, or water heaters. Portland’s soft water doesn’t leave behind heavy deposits, but it can still damage wood and flooring materials if it soaks in long enough.
6. Low Water Pressure
Noticed the shower feels weak and the kitchen sink is the same way? That is often a sign of trouble. One clogged faucet can cause low pressure in one spot, but when the whole house is affected, it usually means water is slipping out somewhere it shouldn’t.
Leaks in the main line or inside walls can waste a lot of water before it reaches your taps. If the drop in pressure is consistent, a hidden leak is a strong possibility.
What To Do If You Suspect a Leak
The most important thing is not to wait. A small leak can cause major damage if it is left alone. Mold can grow quickly, wood can rot, and repair costs can skyrocket.
If you think you have water leaks in your house, call Roth. We have been serving Portland and Central Oregon since 1976. Our plumbers use professional tools to track down leaks, even when they are hidden in walls or under concrete. Once we find the problem, we repair it and make sure your plumbing is back to normal.
With Roth’s White Glove Service, you can expect us to treat your home with care, explain what we find, and leave the space clean when we are finished. Leaks are stressful, but you do not have to deal with them alone.
