Most plumbing in Dubai homes is hidden inside walls, floors and ceilings. That's neat — until a pipe starts leaking. Catching it early saves money and prevents damage.
1. Your water bill jumps
If your DEWA water consumption rises without a change in habits, a leak is the likely culprit.
2. The water meter moves with everything off
Turn off every tap and water-using appliance and watch the meter for 15 minutes. Any movement suggests a leak.
3. Stains or bubbling paint
Yellow-brown ceiling stains, bubbling paint or swollen skirting are classic signs of water travelling inside walls or slabs.
4. A musty smell
Persistent damp smells, especially in one room or cupboard, often mean hidden moisture and mould.
5. Warm spots on the floor
A warm patch on tiles can indicate a hot-water pipe leaking underneath.
6. Loose or hollow tiles
Water undermines tile adhesive; tiles start to sound hollow or lift.
7. The neighbour below complains
In apartments, the first sign is often a knock on the door from downstairs. Act quickly — building management will expect the source to be found and fixed.
What to do next
Don't start breaking tiles to look for it. Professional leak detection uses pressure tests, moisture mapping and thermal imaging to locate the leak first, so only a small area is opened.
Written by the Awais technical team
Engineers and technicians at Awais Technical Services DWC-LLC, Dubai South.
