01Check visible fixtures
Begin with accessible toilets, faucets, supply lines, appliance connections, valves, and water-heater piping.
- Look for active drips and mineral tracks
- Listen for running toilets or hissing valves
- Dry the area and watch for moisture returning
02Compare the whole system
When fixtures are off, note meter behavior, pressure changes, warm areas, odors, and whether symptoms follow hot- or cold-water use.
- Record a meter reading and time
- Note every affected room
- Compare isolated and property-wide symptoms
03Prepare for diagnosis
Photos and observations help describe visible conditions, while pressure, acoustic, thermal, or isolation testing may be needed for concealed piping.
- Share previous repair history
- Identify access limitations
- Avoid opening finishes without evidence