Your home has numerous plumbing systems, from clean water inlets to wastewater outlets and the connections in between. These plumbing systems deteriorate over time, leading to plumbing issues like pipe leaks and dripping faucets. While you can easily spot leaks at the visible parts of your plumbing system, leaks that occur beneath floors, inside appliances, and behind walls can go unnoticed for a long time.
Unfortunately, if unaddressed, such leaks can increase your water bills and cause serious damage to your home. Don’t wait until simple leaks lead to expensive home repairs and high water bills. Read on to discover some signs to look out for.
Higher Water Bills
If you notice an increase in your water bill, you probably have a leaking pipe somewhere in your home. The increase can be gradual or it can happen suddenly. To confirm that the real culprit is a leak, you can record the numbers on your meter and check again after an hour or two. If the numbers have changed, you have a leak. However, you should ensure that no one has opened any water outlet in that period.
Stains on Walls or Ceiling
Does a spot on your wall or ceiling appear discolored or stained? If so, that could be a sign of a leak behind the surface. Hidden leaks are the most dangerous because they can cause significant home damage. For example, if your house has plastic paint, a leak can cause bubbles on walls or ceiling, meaning you will have to repaint all the affected areas.
Mold and Mildew Growth
If a water leak goes unnoticed for a long time, it can lead to mold and mildew growth on walls, thanks to the moisture. If unaddressed, the leak can lead to the development of dangerous black mold. This mold can cause allergic reactions like vomiting, nausea, and nose bleeding. While you may think that cleaning the mold is a quicker, easier option, the best solution is to fix the leaking pipe.
Unpleasant Smells
The water from the leaking pipes can stagnate and produce a lingering odor that quickly spreads in the house. The smell can also come from the mold growing in the areas around the leak. You should also be aware that the pipes in your home do not only carry clean water. So, the odor can also result from a leaking sewerage pipe in your bathroom or outside.
Low Water Pressure
Though lower-than-normal water pressure can be caused by a variety of things, you cannot rule out leaks in the system. A sudden drop in water pressure can signify that water is leaving the system before reaching the delivery fixtures.
Uneven Lawn Growth
The best way to spot outdoor pipe leakages is to examine the vegetation on your lawn. If you notice a spot where the grass has outgrown the rest, a pipe may be leaking underneath. You can also dip your hands into the ground beneath the vegetation to check if the area is wetter.
Cracks on the Foundation or Floor
A leaking pipe underneath your house’s foundation can cause sudden cracks on the foundation. A large leak can also soak the soil below, causing the slab to shift or drop. Similarly, if a pipe under your floor leaks, tiles can become loose, or the floor may turn soft or spongy.
Now that you are aware of the signs to look for when inspecting your home for water leaks, you should not wait until the situation worsens. Call a professional plumber immediately after noticing any of the signs above. At First Class Plumbing, we have professional and certified plumbers available 24/7. Contact us today and enjoy a timely response.