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Water leaks are not always dramatic bursts of water flooding your home. In many houses and apartments, leaks develop quietly, hidden behind walls, beneath floors, or within ceilings. Because of our hot and humid Malaysian climate, even a small leak whether from a roof, toilet, or plumbing can quickly escalate into mould growth, structural damage, and costly repair bills. Detecting these leaks early and consulting a waterproofing specialist or building repair professional can save significant expenses. The challenge of detection of leaks is that many of these leaks are invisible, so you need to watch for subtle signs of water leakage. Outlined below are five of the less obvious indicators that suggest you might have a water leak in your property.

 

SIGNS OF WATER LEAKS

1. Unexplained High Water Utility Bills

If your water bill suddenly increases without any change in your daily habits, it could be a sign of a hidden leak somewhere around the house. For instance, you may notice that you are paying significantly higher water utility bills even though your household size and water use remain the same. In many cases of water leakage, water meters continue to register water consumption even when every tap and appliance is turned off. This usually means that water is escaping somewhere in the plumbing system. Air Selangor, Malaysia’s main water utility, has highlighted internal pipe leaks as one of the most common causes of unexpectedly high water utility bills [1].

 

2. Musty Odours and Dampness

Another clue is the presence of persistent musty or earthy smells in certain parts of your home. These odours often come from mould and mildew, which thrive in damp conditions. You may notice that cupboards, basements, or enclosed corners emit damp smell even after cleaning. While naturally humid climate already encourages moisture, the smell of mould that lingers usually points to a constant hidden water leakage such as leakage behind walls or under floors.

 

3. Peeling Paint or Stained Walls

On the other hand, peeling, bubbling, or cracking paint on your walls can be more than just a cosmetic issue. It can also mean that water is seeping through the structure and weakening the wall beneath. Sometimes you might also see brown or yellow patches or stains spreading across the ceiling or upper parts of a wall [2]. These are often caused by leaking roofs or plumbing on the floor upstairs. In many older homes, plaster or drywall can deteriorate quickly when exposed to moisture, which explains why peeling surfaces can appear soon after a leak begins.

 

4. Warped or Buckling Floors

Floors are another area where hidden leaks are prevalent and often not detected on time. As a result, wooden or laminate flooring may begin to swell, bend, or develop gaps between planks. Even tile or vinyl flooring can start to lift or feel soft under feet pressure if moisture seeps through the subfloor. Many houses use a mixture of wood, tile, and laminate, this kind of damage is common in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas where leaks are most likely to occur.

 

5. Sudden Drop in Water Pressure

Finally, if your showers, taps, or toilets suddenly, or slowly lose pressure across the entire home, this may indicate that there is leakage somewhere in the water supply system [3]. A major leak diverts water away from where it should be flowing, leaving you with weak showers pressure and slow-filling toilet cisterns/tanks. While clogged pipes can also reduce pressure, leaks are often the underlying cause, especially when pressure problems appear all at once.