Don’t forget the outside world. Check your outdoor spigots. If you have a hose still attached in winter and you didn’t drain it, congratulations—you probably have a burst pipe in the wall. Classic rookie move.
Also, look for a patch of grass that’s greener, wetter, or mushier than the rest. That’s usually a broken sprinkler head or underground pipe. It’s like nature’s way of pointing a neon arrow at your wallet drain.
If you see moss growing in a weird spot on your foundation, that’s a leak, my friend. Moss doesn’t lie.
So there you have it. You don’t need a plumber’s license to find a leak. You just need a little patience, a flashlight, and the willingness to get a little damp. Go check that toilet. I’ll wait.