It can happen to anyone! You move into your brand-new home that was previously occupied, only to notice an odd odor that wasn’t there when you signed the mortgage or the tenancy. 

However, there are no obvious issues that you can see, so is that odor something to be worried about? In most cases, any odd smell in a new home should be explored, and while it is not a common concern, there are a few odors that can point to a leak somewhere in the home that may not present with constant dripping.

So, how can you spot some of the signs that there may be a hidden leak in your new home? Read on to find out!

Water Stains and Mold

Look at the walls, usually on the upper floor; are there signs of water staining and mold? In some climates, mold can be due to condensation, but if it is on the walls, especially the upper walls, then this can be a sign of a leak. Many home-selling agencies like Chestnut Homes will ensure that any homes that they sell are free from leaks when you move in, but if you are renting or buying directly from the seller, then be sure to check the walls and ground-floor ceilings for mold and water stains.

Standing Water 

Is there a puddle in your home that seems to keep coming back? No, it’s not likely to be the dog or the kids coming in from the garden, especially if it is in the bathroom or kitchen! A puddle of standing water, or even recurring water patches in the home on the floor, can point to an issue with a leak, especially in areas like the kitchen and bathroom, where water needs to flow. If there are wet spots around your toilet or bath, then call a plumber. 

Musty Odor

Going back to that odor, what does it smell like? Well, it smells musty and a bit like acetone (nail polish remover) and can cause those with asthma to cough. If you notice this scent in rooms like the bathroom, the kitchen, or even in your bedroom, call for a plumber (or a roofer!), as this points to a leak and an accumulation of water behind the paint or wallpaper. 

Wallpaper and Paint Bubbling

If you recently painted in your kitchen and have noticed that the area under the bathroom has bubbling paint or wallpaper, then this is a sign of a leak. In simple terms, the water is dripping in the space between the wall and the paint or wallpaper, causing it to bubble. Again, if you spot this, call for a plumber or for your landlord to fix it and then use appropriate paint to cover the water damage stains!

Dropped Water Pressure

This only applies to leaks coming from the pipes rather than the roof. If it is taking longer to fill a bath or a basin of water, as well as the home being cooler, this is a sign of issues with water pressure. So, there is likely to be a leak in the system somewhere. If your water bills have gone up, or it takes an hour to fill the bathtub, call a plumber.