Leaks happen all the time. If a leak is hidden deep in your house somewhere, the damage can become worse and worse as time goes on. Here are 6 ways you can find hidden water leaks in your home:

1. Keep up with your water meter
   Checking your water meter is fairly simple and can save you from a lot a damage if you have a leak somewhere in your plumbing. Here’s what you have to do:Turn off all the water in your homeLocate your water meter. This can be found in one of these three places; in the path outside your home, in a box on an outside wall, or in the inside of your home under the kitchen sink or in a downstairs toilet.Watch the meter and see if it begins to change. If so, it is likely that you have a fast-moving leak located somewhere in your home. If the meter doesn’t change immediately, wait two hours and check again.
2. Look at your usage
   Checking your water usage can help you to find out if a leak is happening somewhere in your home. For example, if a family of four is using more than 12,000 gallons of water per month, it is probable that there is a serious leak.
3. Monitor your bill
   If your water bill is consistently rising but your water usage has not changed, a leak may be to blame. Your bill should remain within the same range from month to month. If you see a spot on the floor or hear the sound of water running, it is important to call a professional to take a look at your pipes.
4. Check your toilets
   Using your toilet can account for up to 30% of your home’s water use. To check to see if there is a leak coming from your toilet, remove the top of the tank and listen closely. If you hear a hissing sound, try to locate where it is coming from. If nothing is noticeable, food coloring is the magic trick. Drop a few drops of food coloring into your toilet tank and wait 10 minutes. If the color shows up in your bowl, then you have a leak in the flapper of your bowl that is allowing water to seep through. Make sure to repeat this process on every toilet in your home.
5. Check the exterior of your home
   Not all water leaks occur from the inside of your home. Check all hose bibs, garden hoses and taps, and any other outside irrigation systems.
6. Be more precautious
   Practice regularly inspecting your home for any possible hidden water leaks. Check your shower head for leaks. Check in the back of cabinets for any signs of mold that may indicate a leak. If you suspect a leak anywhere in your plumbing system, call a professional for a second opinion.