Leak Detection Checklist – What Every Central Florida Homeowner Should Know
Living in Central Florida, you get used to high humidity, heavy rains, and long AC seasons. But what many homeowners overlook is how all that moisture—and the systems that keep your home comfortable—can lead to hidden plumbing leaks. And when leaks go undetected around here, they don’t just waste water. They lead to serious damage fast.
If you own a home in this area, having a solid leak detection checklist isn’t optional. It’s essential.
Why Central Florida Homes Are at Risk
Between the older plumbing systems in historic neighborhoods and the shifting soils beneath our foundations, Central Florida homes are prone to leaks in more ways than one.
Combine that with the year-round use of air conditioning, water heaters, irrigation systems, and swimming pools, and you’ve got a recipe for hidden leaks waiting to happen.
And the kicker? In Florida’s humidity, it only takes 24 to 48 hours for mold to start growing in moist areas. So early detection isn’t just about saving your pipes—it’s about protecting your health and your home value.
What’s At Stake If You Miss a Leak?
Let’s be real: leaks are sneaky. They don’t always show up as puddles. Some quietly damage your walls, floors, or insulation long before they’re visible.
Here’s what’s on the line:
- High water bills – Even a small drip can waste hundreds of gallons a month.
- Mold and mildew – Thrive in hidden wet spots and are costly to remove.
- Structural damage – Water weakens beams, walls, and flooring over time.
- Air quality issues – Mold spores can circulate through your HVAC system.
- Insurance headaches – Claims might get denied if the leak is deemed “preventable.”
Trust me, it’s not worth the gamble.
Leak Detection Checklist: Room by Room
Let’s walk through the most leak-prone areas of your home. Use this list at least twice a year—or more often if you’ve got an older home or a hunch that something’s off.
Kitchen
- Check under sinks for moisture, soft wood, or signs of mold
- Run your hand along the supply lines and garbage disposal for leaks
- Inspect dishwasher hoses for wear, cracks, or bulging
- Watch for water pooling near the base of the fridge (especially if it has an ice maker)
Bathrooms
- Look for water around toilet bases—spongy flooring is a red flag
- Check around tub and shower seals and caulk
- Inspect sink traps and shutoff valves under vanities
- Listen for toilets that run longer than they should (could be an internal leak)
Laundry Room
- Examine washing machine hoses—replace them if they’re more than 5 years old
- Look behind the machine for dampness or mildew odor
- Ensure the drain line is properly inserted and secured
Water Heater Closet
- Look for rust, corrosion, or moisture near the base
- Feel the floor for warmth or damp spots
- Check the pressure relief valve and drain pan
Outdoor Areas
- Inspect spigots and hoses, especially where they connect
- Walk your irrigation system zones and look for pooling or unusually lush grass
- Check pool pumps and plumbing for drips or salt/mineral deposits
Behind the Walls (if suspected)
If you hear dripping, feel moisture on drywall, or see unexplained staining, there’s a good chance something’s going on inside the wall. This is where leak detection pros like us come in. We’ve got tools that can detect moisture and pipe issues without tearing your home apart.
Sounds, Smells, and Other Sensory Clues
Leaks aren’t always visible. Sometimes, they speak to you in other ways—if you know how to listen.
- Running water sounds when nothing’s on? Could be a pipe leak.
- Musty smells in cabinets or closets? Might be trapped moisture.
- Hot or cold floor spots? A slab leak could be lurking.
- Sudden low pressure? Possibly a breach in your water line.
If something feels off, don’t ignore your gut. Get it checked.
One Time We Caught a Leak Just in Time…
I remember a job where we were doing a routine inspection for a new homeowner. Nice place, recently remodeled. Nothing obvious looked wrong. But we picked up a faint moisture reading in the guest bathroom wall using our infrared scanner.
Pulled a little drywall and, sure enough, a copper fitting had loosened. It had probably been leaking for weeks—maybe months—but it hadn’t made it to the surface yet.
Had we not caught it, it would’ve soaked the new cabinets, ruined the flooring, and invited mold. That small detection saved them thousands.
Tools You Can Use at Home
You don’t need fancy gear to get started. A few basic tools can help you stay ahead:
- Moisture meter – Inexpensive and effective for checking walls and floors
- Water alarm sensors – Place under sinks, near water heaters, and washing machines
- Smart leak detectors – These connect to your main line and track water usage, even alerting your phone if something’s off
- Infrared thermometer – Can help detect cold spots from water seepage
For serious diagnostics though, you’ll want professional-grade equipment—and someone who knows how to use it right.
Slab Leaks: Florida’s Hidden Plumbing Menace
Central Florida homes, especially those built on concrete slabs, are no strangers to slab leaks. These occur when pipes running beneath the concrete foundation develop cracks or corrosion.
Warning signs include:
- Warped or buckled flooring
- Mold near baseboards
- Hot spots on tile
- Increased water bills with no explanation
Slab leaks can be tricky to find, but catching them early can save you from jackhammering floors later.
Prevention: Your Best Long-Term Strategy
Leak detection isn’t just about reacting—it’s about preventing.
Here’s how:
- Schedule regular plumbing inspections (every 1–2 years)
- Replace old or brittle hoses and supply lines
- Don’t ignore moisture or mildew—investigate right away
- Install a whole-home leak detection system with auto shutoff
- Flush your water heater annually to reduce sediment buildup
It’s like getting a tune-up for your car. Catch it early, and you avoid a roadside breakdown.
When to Call a Pro
DIY checks are great, but some leaks hide too well. If you’ve got:
- A persistent musty smell
- Unexplained increases in water usage
- Warped floors or water stains
- Water pressure that’s suddenly weaker
…it’s time to bring in the pros.
At Leak Doctor, we use pinpoint acoustic listening, thermal imaging, and pressure testing to find leaks fast and fix them without making a mess. We don’t guess. We find.
Wrap-Up: Stay Dry, Save Money
A little vigilance goes a long way. Central Florida’s climate and soil conditions make leak detection a must, not a maybe.
Keep this checklist handy. Run through it a couple of times a year. And if something feels off, don’t sit on it. The sooner you act, the smaller the repair bill—and the less stress you’ll deal with later.
If you’re not sure or want a trained set of eyes on your plumbing system, call our team today at 407-426-9995. We’ll find the problem before it finds you.