Three quick tests
- Meter test.Turn off every fixture and appliance. If the water meter still moves, there is a pressurized leak somewhere in the house or irrigation line.
- Weather check.Did rain, snowmelt or heavy watering happen in the last day or two? Water tied to weather points outside.
- Find the wettest spot.Moisture spreads outward from the source. The wettest area, often at a wall base or near a fixture, is where to look first.
Matching clues to likely sources
- IfMeter moves with everything offThenLikely a supply line, fitting or irrigation tap leak; call a plumber and close the main.
- IfWater around the floor drain after laundry or showersThenLikely a drain or sewer lateral problem; stop using water and call a drain service.
- IfWater near the furnace or water heaterThenCheck the humidifier, condensate pump and water heater relief valve first.
- IfWater at a window or below a window well after rainThenCheck the well drain, debris and the seal between well and foundation.
- IfDamp line along the base of a wall after wateringThenLook at sprinkler heads and grading on that side of the house.
- IfWet slab crack with no plumbing nearbyThenGroundwater or a sub-slab drain issue is possible; note the crack and ask about drainage.
Who to call by source
| Source | First call | Then |
|---|---|---|
| Supply pipe or fitting | Plumber | Restoration contractor and insurer |
| Drain or sewer backup | Drain service | Restoration contractor familiar with contaminated water |
| HVAC drain or humidifier | Heating and cooling technician | Drying if materials are wet |
| Window well or grading | Landscaper or window well installer | Drying, then exterior fix before rebuild |
| Foundation crack | Structural engineer if cracks are changing | Waterproofing contractor |
Common questions
- Does the source affect insurance?
- Often, yes. Sudden plumbing leaks, sewer backups and surface water are treated differently by many policies. Identifying the source accurately helps your adjuster apply the right coverage.
- How do I read my water meter for the leak test?
- Meters sit either in a pit near the street or inside where the line enters. Many have a small triangle or dial that spins with even tiny flows. Note its position, wait fifteen to thirty minutes without using water, and look again. If you cannot find or read the meter, your water provider can tell you where it is.
- What if the water appeared overnight and is already gone?
- Look for tide lines on drywall, damp carpet edges and stains on the slab. Pull back the carpet at the wettest corner and photograph what you find. A moisture meter can show where water traveled even after the surface has dried.
- Is my own dehumidifier enough?
- A household unit helps in a small, clean-water situation once the source is stopped. It will not dry wall cavities or the pad under carpet, so treat it as a stopgap and have readings taken if materials stay damp.
General information for Highlands Ranch, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.