7 Hidden Signs You Have a Plumbing Leak( Most South Florida Homeowners Miss These)
Nathanael Jolteus • December 2, 2025
Plumbing leaks aren't always dramatic.
Most of the time , plumbing leaks start small, almost invisible and slowly turn into expensive water damage, mold problems, or skyrocketing utility bills. In South Florida, where humidity is already high, even a small leak can create the perfect environment for mold growth and structural issues.
So what's the problem?
Most homeowners don't notice the early signs
Here are 7 hidden plumbing leak warning signs
that every South Florida homeowner should know(and how to catch them before they become a disaster).
1. Your Water Bill Suddenly Spikes
If your bill jumps without any change in usage, that's a red flag. Toilets are the most common culprit, a silent running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons a day. (Yes, you read that right)
Quick test:
Listen closely near your toilet. If you hear a faint hiss or trickling sound, you likely have a leak inside the tank
2. Random Wet Spots or "Hot Spots" on the Floor
A warm spot on your tile or concrete floor can mean a slab leak, which happens when pipes under your home crack or burst.
Slab leaks get worse fast and can cause major foundation damage if ignored.
3. Mold or Mildew Smell(Even if You Don't See it)
Not all leaks are visible. Sometimes moisture builds up behind walls or under flooring, creating a subtle but persistent musty smell.
If your AC is running normally and you still smell mildew? It's likely a plumbing issue.
4. Low Water Pressure in a Single Faucet
Low pressure throughout the house can be a city supply issue. But low pressure in just one faucet usually means:
- a hidden leak
- a clogged line
- a failing valve
Either way , it's worth checking before the pipe gives out completely.
5. Paint Bubbling or Peeling on Walls
This is one of the most commonly ignored signs of a leak behind the wall. Even small moisture levels can cause:
- bubbling
- peeling
- discoloration
- soft drywall
If you see any of this, the leak may have already been there for weeks.
6. Constantly Running or Bubbling Toilet
Many people live with a toilet that runs or bubbles occasionally, thinking it's normal.
It's not.
A running toilet = wasted water
A bubbling toilet = possible main line blockage
Both require attention before they turn into expensive repairs.
7. Water Meter Moving When Everything Is Off
Here's a simple test homeowners almost never try:
- Turn off all faucets
- Make sure the dishwasher, washer and sprinklers are off.
- Check your water meter.
If the meter is still spinning? You definitely
have a leak, even if you haven't found it yet.
How South Florida Homeowners Can Prevent Water Damage
The best way to avoid costly plumbing repairs is early detection.
If you notice any of the signs above, don't wait until the damage spreads.
Leaks never stay small.
At Leading Plumbing Services, we provide:
- same-day leak inspections
- honest pricing
- photos & videos of every issue
- no-pressure explanations
- guaranteed repairs
We treat your home like our own.
When to Call a Plumber Immediately
You should call a licensed plumber ASAP if:
- You smell sewage
- Your water pressure drops suddenly
- You hear running water behind walls
- You see water pooling near your foundation
- Your water heater starts leaking
South Florida's heat and humidity make leaks much more dangerous, mold can form in as little as 24-48 hours.
Final Thoughts: Don't Ignore the Signs
A small leak can turn into thousands of dollars of damage if left untreated. The sooner you identifiy the problem, the easier( and cheaper) the fix will be.
If you're unsure whether you have a leak, we're happy to help.
Call/Text us today for a quick leak inspection:
561 506 6159
Or fill out the form on our website for same-day service.
You flush, the bowl refills , but not the way it used to. The water line sits noticeably lower, and the flush feels weaker. It’s easy to chalk it up to a “bad flush,” but a toilet bowl water level that’s low is rarely random. It’s usually a sign that something in the toilet’s refill, venting, or drain system isn’t working as designed. In South Florida homes, this issue shows up often, and it can lead to odors, poor flushing, and bigger drain problems if ignored. 1. What Sets the Bowl Water Level The bowl water level isn’t controlled by the tank float. It’s set by: the toilet’s internal trapway the siphon action during the flush proper airflow through the plumbing vent If any of those are disrupted, the bowl won’t refill to its normal level. 2. Partial Clog in the Toilet Trapway A common cause is a partial obstruction inside the toilet. This can happen when: toilet paper builds up foreign objects lodge in the trap mineral scale narrows the passage Water drains out, but the siphon breaks early , leaving the bowl under-filled. 3. Blocked or Restricted Plumbing Vent Your plumbing vents allow air into the system so water can flow correctly. If a vent is: blocked partially obstructed restricted by debris …the system can pull too much water out of the bowl after flushing, lowering the water level. Vent issues are more common than people realize. 4. Sewer or Branch Drain Airflow Issues Low bowl water can also indicate: air pressure imbalance developing drain restrictions early sewer line issues When airflow is disrupted, water levels inside fixtures become unstable. This often appears alongside: gurgling slow drains occasional odors 5. Cracks in the Toilet Bowl or Trap Hairline cracks in the porcelain , especially in the internal trapway , can: slowly drain water lower bowl level over time worsen without visible exterior leaks Cracked bowls can’t be repaired safely and must be replaced. 6. Why Low Bowl Water Is a Problem A low water level can cause: weak flushing waste not clearing fully sewer gas odors entering the bathroom frequent clogs repeated flushing The bowl water acts as a seal. When it’s low, that seal weakens. 7. Why This Happens More in South Florida South Florida plumbing systems face: mineral-heavy water cast iron drain corrosion humidity affecting venting older toilet designs in many homes All of these contribute to airflow and drainage imbalances that affect bowl levels. 8. DIY Checks You Can Do You can safely: ✔ check for visible cracks ✔ note gurgling sounds when flushing ✔ observe if other drains act oddly ✔ plunge gently (no aggressive force) If the water level drops again shortly after, the issue is deeper than the bowl. 9. What NOT to Do ❌ Don’t keep flushing repeatedly ❌ Don’t add water manually to “fix” it ❌ Don’t use chemical drain cleaners ❌ Don’t ignore sewer odors These actions mask symptoms without solving the cause. 10. When to Call a Plumber Call a professional if: the bowl level stays low flushing power decreases gurgling sounds appear odors are present multiple drains act up the toilet clogs frequently These point to system-level issues, not just a toilet problem. 11. What We Do (Professional Diagnosis) At Leading Plumbing Services , we: inspect the toilet trap-way test drain and vent airflow camera-inspect drain lines if needed identify partial blockages check for porcelain damage restore proper water levels recommend repair vs replacement honestly We find the reason the level changed, not just the symptom. 12. Prevention Tips To prevent low bowl water issues: ✔ address slow drains early ✔ avoid flushing non-flushables ✔ maintain proper venting ✔ descale plumbing periodically ✔ replace aging toilets proactively Preventive care keeps flushing consistent. South Florida Homeowner Reality In South Florida, a toilet bowl water level that’s low is often an early sign of airflow or drain problems , not a bad toilet design. Catching it early can prevent odors, backups, and repeated clogs. Final Thoughts If your toilet bowl water level looks lower than normal , your plumbing system is telling you something has changed. Fixing it early restores proper flushing and protects your home from odors and drain issues. Call/Text us today for toilet and drain inspection: (561) 506-6159
You shut the handle, step out, and a few seconds later you hear it , a slow, hollow tap from the shower head. It’s easy to assume leftover water is just draining out. But when a shower head keeps leaking after it’s turned off , that drip is usually coming from behind the wall, not the fixture itself. In South Florida homes, this issue shows up frequently , and it almost always points to a worn shower valve or pressure problem that gets worse over time. 1. Residual Water vs a Real Leak A quick drip that stops within a minute can be normal. A drip that continues minutes or hours later is not. Ongoing leakage means: water is passing the shutoff point the valve isn’t sealing pressure is forcing water through worn parts That’s a plumbing failure, not gravity. 2. Worn Shower Cartridge (Most Common Cause) Most modern showers use a cartridge to control hot/cold flow. Over time, cartridges: wear down collect mineral scale lose sealing surfaces When that happens, water sneaks past even when the handle is off , and exits through the shower head. 3. High Water Pressure Makes It Worse If your home’s water pressure is elevated, it pushes harder against valve seals. High pressure: accelerates cartridge wear causes delayed dripping makes new cartridges fail sooner if pressure isn’t corrected Many South Florida homes run above recommended pressure without realizing it. 4. Mineral Buildup (Florida Factor) South Florida’s mineral-heavy water leaves scale inside valves. Minerals: scratch sealing surfaces prevent tight closure cause inconsistent shutoff Even a quality valve will leak once mineral buildup interferes with sealing. 5. Diverter Issues In tub/shower combos, a failing diverter can: misroute water allow seepage to the shower head drip after shutoff If the drip started after using the tub spout, the diverter may be involved. 6. Why Ignoring the Drip Is Risky That steady drip means: constant pressure on the valve accelerated wear of internal parts higher water bills potential leaks inside the wall Left unchecked, small valve leaks often turn into wall or ceiling damage. 7. How Much Water a “Small” Drip Wastes One slow drip can waste: thousands of gallons per year treated drinking water money you never see until the bill arrives Multiply that by multiple bathrooms, and the loss adds up fast. 8. DIY Fixes That Rarely Last Homeowners often try: tightening the handle replacing the shower head cleaning the faceplate These don’t address the valve behind the wall , where the leak actually is. 9. When Replacement Beats Repair Repair or replacement is usually recommended if: the valve is very old cartridges are discontinued leaks return quickly after repair corrosion is present pressure issues exist Upgrading the valve often improves both reliability and temperature control. 10. What We Do (Professional Solution) At Leading Plumbing Services , we: diagnose valve vs fixture leaks test system pressure replace worn cartridges or valves descale mineral buildup inspect for in-wall moisture restore a true shutoff prevent repeat failures We fix the leak at the source , not just what you see. 11. Prevention Tips To prevent shower head leaks: ✔ address drips early ✔ maintain proper water pressure ✔ descale fixtures periodically ✔ replace aging cartridges proactively ✔ upgrade outdated valves Small steps extend valve life significantly. South Florida Homeowner Reality In South Florida, a shower head leaking when turned off is rarely the shower head’s fault. It’s usually the first sign a valve is wearing out ,and waiting almost always means a bigger repair later. Final Thoughts If your shower head keeps dripping after you shut it off , it’s not leftover water , it’s your valve failing to seal. Fixing it early saves water, money, and prevents hidden wall damage. Call/Text us today for shower valve inspection and repair: (561) 506-6159
