5 Signs of a Home Plumbing Leak that You Shouldn’t Ignore

Leading Plumbing Services • June 29, 2025
A bathroom vanity with a sink and drawers.

Plumbing leaks can cause significant damage to your home if they go unnoticed. From mold growth to structural issues, even a small leak can become a big problem over time. Spotting the warning signs early allows you to take action before costly repairs are needed. At Leading Plumbing Services, we provide expert water leak repair in the greater West Palm Beach area. Here are five common signs of a home plumbing leak that should never be ignored.


Unexplained Increase in Water Bills

One of the first signs many homeowners notice is a sudden spike in their water bill. If your usage hasn’t changed but your bill has gone up significantly, it could be due to a hidden leak somewhere in your plumbing system. A professional inspection can help locate the source of the leak.


Musty Odors or Mold Growth

Leaks often go hand-in-hand with excess moisture, which creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew. If you start to notice a persistent musty smell in certain parts of your home—particularly in bathrooms, kitchens, or basements—there’s a good chance you have a plumbing leak. Visible mold/mildew on walls, ceilings, or under sinks is another clear indication. 


Water Stains on Walls and Ceilings

Another visible clue of a plumbing leak is discoloration on your walls or ceilings. Water stains often appear as yellow, brown, or rust-colored patches and may continue to grow if the leak persists. These signs suggest water is coming from a pipe inside the wall or ceiling, and immediate attention is needed to prevent further damage.


Reduced Water Pressure

A drop in water pressure can be a symptom of a leak in your plumbing. If water isn’t flowing as strongly from faucets or showerheads as it used to, a hidden leak could be diverting water away from the fixtures. Low water pressure may also indicate a clogged or damaged pipe, both of which should be evaluated by a professional plumber.


Sounds of Running Water

If you hear the sound of running water even when all your taps and appliances are turned off, it could mean water is leaking behind the walls or beneath the floors. This noise often resembles a faint trickle and may be more noticeable at night when your home is quieter. Investigating and fixing the source early can help you avoid expensive repairs.


Plumber in West Palm Beach, FL

When you need a plumber in West Palm Beach and the surrounding area, contact Leading Plumbing Services at 561-506-6159. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment for your plumbing needs!

When Water Comes Up the Shower Drain, You May be Having a Plumbing Emergency

By Nathanael Jolteus • January 1, 2026
Seeing water rise through a shower drain, especially when the shower isn’t running , is one of the clearest signs of a sewer or main drain emergency. This is not a shower problem. It’s not a hair clog. And it’s not something that will “clear itself.” A water backing up into the shower emergency means wastewater has nowhere to go and is being forced back into the home. In South Florida, this often escalates quickly into full sewage backups if not handled immediately. FIRST: Stop All Water Use in the Home This is critical. If water is backing up into the shower: do not flush toilets stop using sinks stop laundry and dishwashers do not run the shower again Every fixture you use pushes more wastewater toward the blockage. Why Water Backs Up Into the Shower Drain Showers are often the lowest open drain in the home. When the main drain or sewer line is restricted, wastewater follows gravity , and the shower is usually where it appears first. Common emergency causes include: 1. Main Drain or Sewer Line Blockage This is the most common cause. Blockages may come from: grease buildup debris accumulation root intrusion collapsed or corroded pipes Once flow is restricted, water reverses direction. 2. Heavy Rain Overwhelming a Weak System In South Florida, heavy rain often triggers backups. Rain increases: groundwater pressure sewer system load If pipes are already compromised, water backs up into showers first. 3. Collapsing or Failing Cast Iron Pipes Many South Florida homes still rely on cast iron drains. As they deteriorate: internal rust narrows the pipe waste slows pressure builds backups occur Shower backups are often the first visible sign. 4. Shared Drain Line Overload If the shower backs up when: a toilet flushes a washing machine drains a sink empties …the system is overloaded and failing to vent or drain properly. 🚫 What NOT to Do When a Shower Is Backing Up ❌ Do NOT run the shower to “see if it clears” ❌ Do NOT plunge aggressively ❌ Do NOT pour chemicals down the drain ❌ Do NOT ignore slow draining beforehand ❌ Do NOT assume it’s just a local clog These actions frequently trigger a full sewage overflow. When This Becomes a SEWAGE EMERGENCY Treat this as urgent if: water is dark or dirty there’s a sewage odor multiple drains are affected water rises quickly backups repeat bubbling or gurgling occurs This indicates system-level failure , not a simple drain issue. Health Risks of Shower Backups Water backing up into showers may contain: bacteria viruses sewage contaminants Keep: children pets bare skin away from affected areas until resolved. Why This Escalates Faster in South Florida South Florida conditions make shower backups worse because: slab foundations trap contamination humidity accelerates mold growth older plumbing fails internally heavy rain stresses weak systems What starts as a small backup often becomes a major cleanup here. How Emergency Plumbers Handle Shower Backups At Leading Plumbing Services , emergency response includes: stopping active backups clearing main drain or sewer lines camera inspection to find root causes identifying collapsed or corroded pipes preventing repeat sewage events We focus on why the backup happened , not just clearing water. Why Waiting Almost Guarantees It Gets Worse Homeowners who wait often face: sewage flooding contaminated flooring mold remediation pipe replacement insurance complications Early response usually prevents interior sewage damage. South Florida Emergency Reality In South Florida, water backing up into shower emergencies are one of the most common early indicators of failing sewer infrastructure. Homes that act immediately often avoid catastrophic backups. Homes that wait rarely do. Final Emergency Guidance If water is coming up through your shower drain , stop using all plumbing and call a professional immediately. This is your sewer system warning you before wastewater floods the home. Call/Text Leading Plumbing Services now for 24/7 emergency shower and sewer backup response: (561) 506-6159

When a Pipe Bursts, Damage Accelerates by the Minute

By Nathanael Jolteus • January 1, 2026
A burst pipe is one of the most destructive plumbing emergencies a home can experience. Unlike slow leaks, a burst pipe releases pressurized water instantly , flooding rooms, soaking walls, and spreading under floors in minutes. If you’re facing a burst pipe emergency , fast action can mean the difference between a localized repair and thousands of dollars in water and structural damage. This guide explains exactly what to do immediately , why pipes burst even in South Florida, and when this becomes a same-hour emergency. STEP 1: Shut Off the Main Water Supply Immediately Do this first, before anything else. locate the main shutoff valve turn it off completely if you can’t stop the flow, call immediately As long as water pressure remains, damage continues. STEP 2: Shut Off Power Near the Affected Area If water is: spraying near outlets pooling on floors dripping from ceilings 👉 shut off power to affected areas if it’s safe to do so. Water + electricity turns plumbing emergencies into safety emergencies. Common Reasons Pipes Burst (Even in Warm Climates) 1. Aging or Corroded Pipes In South Florida, many homes still have: aging copper galvanized steel deteriorating cast iron Over time, corrosion thins pipe walls until pressure causes a sudden rupture. 2. High Water Pressure Excess pressure stresses pipes constantly. Signs pressure may be too high: frequent leaks banging or knocking sounds appliance line failures Eventually, the weakest pipe section fails. 3. Slab or Hidden Pipe Stress Pipes under slabs or behind walls may: shift with soil movement rub against concrete weaken at joints When failure happens, water escapes rapidly into hidden spaces. 4. Previous Repairs or Weak Joints Improper or aging repairs can become: stress points failure zones sudden burst locations Many bursts occur at old fittings, not straight pipe runs. 🚫 What NOT to Do During a Burst Pipe ❌ Do NOT turn the water back on “to check it” ❌ Do NOT attempt temporary clamps or tape ❌ Do NOT ignore water spreading under floors ❌ Do NOT delay professional repair ❌ Do NOT assume damage stops once water is off Residual water continues migrating through walls and slabs. Hidden Damage Burst Pipes Cause Even after visible flooding stops, burst pipes often result in: water behind walls soaked insulation mold growth within 24–48 hours floor and cabinet damage weakened structural materials The visible water is only part of the damage. Why Burst Pipes Are Especially Costly in South Florida South Florida conditions make burst pipes worse because: slab foundations trap moisture humidity slows drying mold develops rapidly older neighborhoods have aging plumbing Fast response is critical here. When This Is a SAME-HOUR Emergency Call an emergency plumber immediately if: water is actively spraying or flooding the pipe burst suddenly ceilings or walls are getting wet water spread beyond one room the home has older plumbing you hear water running with fixtures off These are do-not-wait situations. How Emergency Plumbers Handle Burst Pipes At Leading Plumbing Services , emergency response includes: stopping active water flow isolating the burst section pressure testing the system repairing or replacing damaged pipe checking for additional weak points preventing repeat failures We focus on containment first, repair second. Why Waiting Makes Damage Multiply Homeowners who delay often face: mold remediation wall and ceiling replacement flooring damage insurance disputes repeated pipe failures Early action dramatically limits repair scope. South Florida Emergency Reality In South Florida, burst pipe emergencies often occur in aging plumbing systems that have shown subtle warning signs for months—pressure changes, minor leaks, or corrosion. When the burst happens, the system has already been failing. Final Emergency Guidance If a pipe bursts in your home, shut off the water immediately and call a professional. Burst pipes don’t slow down on their own, damage accelerates every minute pressure remains. Call/Text Leading Plumbing Services now for 24/7 emergency burst pipe repair: (561) 506-6159