Last Updated: February 25, 2026 — Reviewed by Brian Hayes, Licensed Master Plumber
Detecting leaks at their early stage can save you from a big disaster and also save you money. That is why it is important that you detect the signs of leaks at the earliest time possible so you can contact your trusted plumber. Here are some of the things that you can do to detect hidden leak detection and repairs:
Monitor Your Monthly Bill
If you wonder why your bill is rising while your water usage hasn’t changed at all, it could be that there’s a leak somewhere that you are not aware of. Check your bills from the past months and see if there has been a steady increase. Unless there’s a drastic change in the way you use water, your water bill should be within the same range every month. It is possible that the pipes underground have leaks and while you don’t see or know of them, you’re going to have to pay for them. If you are worried about the rise in your bills, do contact a professional plumber to thoroughly check all the pipes.
Check the Water Meter
One of the easiest ways to check for a leak is by looking at your water meter. The first thing you need to do is turn off all the water in your home. Do make sure that no appliance (that uses water) is running. Observe the water meter and see if it’s changing. If it is, there is probably a fast-moving leak. If it’s not, wait for an hour or two and check again. If it has changed despite having all the water turned off, there is probably a slower leak.
Put Food Colour in Your Toilet Tank
Toilets account for about 30% of your water usage. That is why you should always make sure that they are running as they should. Test for leaks by adding a few drops of food colouring to the toilet tank. Wait for 10 minutes and check if there’s any colour in the bowl. If there is, it means there is a leak that lets water flow from the tank to the drain even without flushing.
Look For Signs Outside
Remember that leaks don’t only happen inside the home. They could also occur outside. You should check your exterior spigots. You can attach a garden hose and see if water seeps through the connection. Replace the rubber hose gasket and see if the connections are tight.
If you believe there is a leak anywhere in your system, the best thing to do is to immediately call a reliable plumber who can handle the repair work as soon as possible. Your trusted Hayes Plumbing professional plumbers are always ready to help you. Call us and we’ll solve any leak problem for you!
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does hidden water leak detection cost in Oshawa?
The cost of hidden water leak detection in Oshawa varies depending on the scope of work, materials selected, and bathroom size. Hayes Plumbing provides free in-home estimates throughout Durham Region so you know exactly what to expect before any work begins.
How long does hidden water leak detection take to complete?
Most hidden water leak detection projects in Durham Region take between 2 and 4 weeks depending on the complexity and material lead times. Hayes Plumbing coordinates all trades to keep your project on schedule.
Do I need a permit for hidden water leak detection in Ontario?
In Ontario, you typically need a building permit if your hidden water leak detection project involves structural changes or moving plumbing lines. Hayes Plumbing can advise whether your specific project requires a permit from the City of Oshawa.
Need help with your bathroom renovation? Hayes Plumbing & Bathroom Renovations serves Oshawa, Ajax, Whitby, Clarington, and Pickering. Contact us or call (905) 576-3043 for a free estimate.
