The short answer
Start with Your Senses
Walk barefoot across the tile and notice any areas that feel warmer than the rest. A warm spot can mean hot water is leaking underneath. Also press gently on the grout lines; if they feel soft or crumble, water may have weakened them.
Listen for a faint hiss or dripping sound near walls or fixtures. A musty smell often points to moisture trapped under the tile. These clues help narrow down where to look before you make any cuts.
Look for Visual Clues
Discoloration, cracked grout, or tiles that look slightly raised are red flags. Check along the edges of the floor where the tile meets the wall or tub. Water often travels along these seams.
If you see a dark stain under a tile, that is a strong sign of moisture. Use a flashlight at a low angle to spot subtle waves or bumps in the surface. These usually mean the adhesive underneath has failed.
- Warm or cold spots on the floor
- Soft or crumbling grout
- Cracked or hollow-sounding tiles
- Musty or earthy smell
- Discoloration or staining
- Visible water pooling near baseboards
Use a Moisture Meter
A pin-type moisture meter can be pressed into the grout or a small hole in the tile. It gives a reading of how damp the material is. You can buy one at a hardware store, or you might already have a home inspection tool.
If the meter shows high moisture, you have confirmed a leak. The next step is to find where the water is coming from. That could be a pipe, an appliance, or a crack in the waterproofing layer.
Trace the Source
Look at the plumbing lines that run under the floor. Check exposed pipes in cabinets or crawl spaces for drips. If you have a refrigerator with a water line, that is a common culprit. Also inspect the toilet base and the shower curb.
Turn off the water supply to the area if you can, and watch the moisture meter. If the reading drops, the leak is likely in that line. If it stays high, the water may be coming from outside the room.
In Layton, keep your main shutoff valve location written down. That way you can act quickly if water starts spreading.
When to Call the Pros
If you cannot find the leak or you suspect it is under a large tiled area, local water damage pros have tools like acoustic listening devices and thermal cameras. They can pinpoint the source without pulling up your whole floor.
They can also dry out the subfloor and prevent mold from taking hold. The work usually involves removing only the affected tiles, fixing the leak, and replacing what was damaged. Cost depends on the size of the area, the type of tile, and the cause of the leak.
Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Check your policy to see if water damage from a burst pipe or appliance is included.
- Leak detection services
- Moisture mapping
- Subfloor and under-house water leak repair
- Tile and grout water damage cleanup
- Structural drying and dehumidification
Talk to someone now
Phones are answered 24/7 for Layton and nearby communities.
Call Now (801) 383-0232Frequently asked questions
Can a leak under tile cause structural damage?
Yes. Water can soak into the subfloor and weaken the wood or concrete. Over time, it can cause tiles to crack, mold to grow, and even affect the framing of your home. Catching it early is important.
How do I know if the leak is from a pipe or from the shower?
Check the shower pan and the grout around it. If the leak appears only when the shower runs, it is likely from the pan or the seal. If it happens even when nothing is running, it is probably a supply line or a drain pipe.
Should I remove the tile myself to find the leak?
It can be risky. Removing tile can crack nearby pieces and damage the waterproof membrane. A pro can use non-destructive methods first. If removal is needed, they can do it carefully and replace the tile properly.