Leaks from water that you aren't aware of (or notice) could cause harm to you. A small leak could be a huge issue and cause serious damage to your house and result in a large amount of dollars. So, identifying the source of the leak as early as possible is one of the most effective ways to prevent the possibility of a catastrophe.

If you're concerned that there's an undiscovered issue in the plumbing, there are a few methods to check.

Find signs of water damage. Make sure you take the time to walk through your home and check for evidence of leaks. A few places to look are under a vanity, beneath the sink, near an electric hot water heater, near the sump pump, near the outside of a hose bib, and in basements where plumbing might be apparent. Watch out for the presence of unusual smells, mold, or the sound of water rushing in areas it shouldn't.

Look at your bill for water. A majority of households use equal amounts of water every month or every pay period. If you go through your bills for water usage and notice an unexpected or unproved rise (and your routine hasn't changed), this could be an indication that there's an issue with your property.

Check your toilets. When you notice that the toilet has been filling up randomly when it is not being used, it could be that the flapper on the tank has worn out, and the water is slowly flowing into the toilet bowl. One way to test this is to put the smallest amount of food coloring in the tank. It should be left for about 15 mins. Don't use the flush toilet during this period. If the water in the bowl is colored, then the internal part requires repair or replacement.

Check your water meters. The water meter at your home could help you determine if water flows through your pipes and you aren't even noticing. The first step is to turn off all appliances or faucets that consume water. Next, look at the water meter and take note of the reading. Turn all the water off for two hours, then wait then check the water meter. In the event that your readings appear to be drastically different, then there may be an issue.

Don't forget outside usage. In the course of the season, it is possible that you are losing plenty of water in the area around your home. Make sure that all the faucets outside and irrigation systems are operating correctly.