Common sources in Franklin homes
- Galvanized fittings inside walls and floors, rusting through at the threads.
- Second-floor bathrooms added to older houses: tub drains, toilet seals and shower valves leaking into the ceiling below.
- Radiator-era routes: older homes where pipes run through closets and chases that nobody has opened in decades.
- Lines in exterior walls that froze in a cold snap and split.
- Kitchen and laundry connections behind appliances: supply hoses, valves and drain lines.
Think you have a leak? Call and tell us what you’re noticing in your Franklin home.
(877) 729-0265How we narrow it down
- Supply or drain?With all water off, a moving meter means a pressurized supply leak. A still meter points to a drain, shower or appliance that leaks only when used.
- Map the moistureMoisture meters on plaster, trim and flooring show where the water is concentrated, not just where it shows.
- Thermal imagingWet areas read cooler and hot-water leaks read warmer, which shows the shape of the wet area behind the surface.
- Test fixtures one at a timeFor drains and showers, we run each fixture or flood-test the shower pan and watch where moisture appears.
- Mark the spotThe source is marked with photos and readings so the opening is small and well placed.
Clues and what they usually mean
| What you see | Usual cause |
|---|---|
| Brown ring on a plaster ceiling below a bath | Tub drain, toilet seal or shower valve upstairs |
| Stain that keeps growing with no water in use | Pressurized supply line in the ceiling or wall |
| Bubbling paint low on an outside wall | Split line to an outside faucet, often after a freeze |
| Musty smell in a closet or hallway | Slow leak in a wall cavity or under the floor |
| Cupping boards near a kitchen or bath | Supply or drain leak under the subfloor |
After the source is found
Our plumbing partner can make the repair through one small opening at the mark, or you can hand the report to your own plumber. If the leak turns out to be old galvanized pipe, we’ll note what else is nearby so you can decide whether to replace more of it. See leaking pipe repair in Franklin.
For insurance, the report shows where the leak was and what caused it, which adjusters ask for. See burst pipe insurance claims in Indiana.
Hidden Water Leak Detection: questions from Franklin homeowners
Can you find a leak behind plaster without opening the wall?
Yes. Moisture meters and thermal imaging show where the water is behind the plaster, and fixture and pressure tests show which line is leaking. The wall is only opened at the marked spot for the repair.
Why is the stain not right under the leak?
Water runs along joists, pipes and plaster before it shows. A stain can appear several feet from the source, which is why we map the moisture rather than open the stain.
My ceiling stain only grows after showers. What is it?
Usually a shower pan, valve, drain or grout problem, not a supply line. A flood test of the shower and fixture-by-fixture testing confirm it.
Do you check for leaks before someone buys an older home?
Yes. A thermal and moisture inspection with a photo report can show hidden leaks before you buy. See our thermal imaging page for Franklin.
Guides that go deeper
Sources: Indiana American Water; Town of Bargersville Water Utility; Indiana 811; Indiana Administrative Code, Title 327. Updated October 1, 2026.