Water leaks are one of the most common maintenance problems in apartments and villas. In multi-storey buildings a leak can also affect neighbours below. Because many pipes run inside walls and under floors, the damage often goes unnoticed for weeks. Knowing what to look for can save you a lot of money and inconvenience.
Common signs of a hidden leak
- An unexplained rise in your water bill. Compare your recent bills. A sharp increase without a change in usage is a strong sign.
- Damp patches or stains on walls or ceilings, often yellow or brown at the edges.
- Bubbling or peeling paint, particularly near bathrooms and kitchens.
- Loose or hollow-sounding tiles in bathrooms, which can mean water has got underneath.
- A musty smell or mould in cupboards, behind furniture or around the AC.
- The sound of running water when all taps are closed.
A quick meter test
Turn off every tap and water-using appliance in the home, then note the reading on your water meter. Wait one to two hours without using any water and check again. If the reading has moved, there is almost certainly a leak somewhere in the system.
Where leaks usually start
- Flexible hoses under sinks and behind toilets, which wear out over time.
- Water heater valves and connections.
- Failed grout and silicone around showers and bathtubs.
- AC condensate drain lines that overflow or become disconnected.
- Rooftop tanks and the pipes running from them.
What to do when you find one
First, shut off the water supply to the affected area. Most fixtures have an isolation valve nearby, and every home has a main stop valve. Switch off electricity to any area where water is near sockets or appliances. Then take photos for your landlord or building management and call a plumber.
Professional leak detection and repair
Our plumbing team finds and repairs leaks, replaces worn fittings, re-grouts and seals wet areas, and restores damaged paint and plaster afterwards. Call +971 54 302 9342 or message us on WhatsApp to arrange an inspection.
