Why a log helps
A sound you heard once at midnight, a floor that felt warm on Tuesday, a stain that seemed bigger on Friday: on their own these are easy to dismiss. Logged with dates and times, they often line up. A warm spot that appears after showers, or a hiss that only happens when the water heater is reheating, tells a plumber exactly where to start.
Keep the log for three to seven days if the leak is not urgent. If water is visibly spreading, skip the log, close the main shutoff and get help.
Daily log
| Date and time | Meter reading | Fixtures in use? | What you noticed | Where |
|---|---|---|---|---|
What to look for each day
- Warm or cool spots on floors, felt barefoot.
- Hissing, trickling or dripping sounds when the house is quiet.
- New or growing stains on walls, ceilings and baseboards.
- Damp carpet edges or lifting flooring.
- Musty smells, especially in closets and behind furniture.
- Soft or extra-green spots in the yard.
- The water heater running when no one has used hot water.
How to mark a stain
- Trace the edge.Use a pencil to lightly trace the outline of the stain and write the date beside it.
- Photograph.Take a photo from the same spot each day.
- Compare.A stain that grows past the line is active. One that stays the same may be old.
Words that help a plumber
- Constant
- Happens all the time, even with nothing running.
- Use-related
- Only happens when a fixture is used or drained.
- Intermittent
- Comes and goes, such as a toilet refilling on its own.
- Hot or cold
- Whether the clue involves warmth or not.
Common questions
How long should I keep the log?
Three to seven days is usually enough to see a pattern. Stop logging and shut off the water if the leak gets worse.
Do I need to read the meter every time?
Morning and evening readings are helpful. Note whether any water was used between them.
What if I notice nothing at all?
If the meter is also still with nothing running, the cause of a high bill may be usage rather than a leak.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.