Subtitle: Bones are aching from a long day, and all you want is to kick off your shoes, put the kettle on for some chamomile tea, and sink into your favorite armchair. But then, your senses pick up on something that just feels… off.

Let me tell you about the night I came home to a strange smell.

I had just gotten back from a long day of running errands and visiting the doctor. I walked into my quiet, empty house, dropped my keys in the bowl, and walked into the kitchen to get a glass of water.

That’s when I saw it. The cabinet door under the kitchen sink was open just a fraction of an inch. And there was the faintest, sweet-earth smell of damp particleboard.

My stomach did a little flip. But at 73, I’ve learned that panic is the enemy of good decision-making. I took a deep breath and went to investigate.

The Investigation

I opened the cabinet door slowly. I peered inside. I saw a small puddle of water. I saw the damp particleboard. I saw a few small, dark specks.

I realized I had a leak. A slow, insidious leak under the kitchen sink.

The Realization

I realized I had a leak. A slow, insidious leak. It was a hidden problem.

What to Do Don’t panic. It’s a common problem.

Turn off the water. Locate the shut-off valve.

Assess the damage. Check for visible water damage.

Call a plumber. If you can’t fix it yourself, call a professional.

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