Having a leak is one of the most common plumbing issues a home could have, and while some leaks may be minor and easy to find and fix (think about a leak in your toilet, faucets, sinks or shower heads), some of them could be hidden behind your walls, ceilings, or floors without any obvious signs, potentially causing costly damage to your home and your belongings.
Early detection of a water leak is crucial to prevent a major disaster and to save you a lot of money. But how are we supposed to know something is wrong if we don’t notice any water stains or hear any water dripping? Astar Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electric expert plumbers have prepared the following list of signs every homeowner should be aware of to identify and repair hidden water leaks as soon as possible.
1. Higher than usual water bills
Look for any unjustified increase in your water bills. Especially during the colder months, when we use less water for our yards and other outdoor activities, any growth in your water usage without any obvious reason is a common indication of a leak.
If you are unsure of your regular monthly water consumption or can’t confirm if the charges are coherent, a good way to check if there is a leak is by checking your water usage when no one is home. When everyone is out the door and you don’t have any appliances running water, register the numbers on your water meter once you leave and when you return. If there was any change in them, you have a leak.
2. Reduced water pressure
Although low water pressure could be caused by other factors such as faulty valves or sediment buildup in pipes, it is a fact that when you have any type of leak, less water will be able to run through the pipes. This is because water is being drained out of the leak instead of traveling to your fixtures.
If you notice a sudden and constant decrease in water pressure, especially when no other fixtures are being used, check for leaks, as even a smaller one can impact pressure in your home.
3. Mold and mildew
Excessive moisture from a water leak is the favorite environment of mold and mildew. Besides the damage it causes to your walls and ceilings, mold represents a serious health risk as it can cause respiratory issues and allergies, even worse, it can even develop into toxic black mold which is very dangerous.
If mold is not entirely visible in your home and you experienced any other sign of a water leak, be on the lookout for musty odors, as they are often a symptom of mold growth.
Whether it is a result of moisture from insulated pipes or any sort of leak, we must act immediately to prevent any damage not only to your home but to your family’s health as well.
4. Water stains and paint / wallpaper damage
Water stains are an obvious sign of a leak, as any bubbling, crackling, or peeling on your paint could also indicate water is leaking somewhere near.
If you notice a dark spot or any discoloration on the ceiling, you will need to address the problem as soon as possible, as this type of sign often appears after the leak has been building up for a while. Something similar happens when the paint or wallpaper on the wall begin to peel or bubble, as drywall and wood tend to absorb the moisture, it will take longer for the damage to come through and become visible.
5. Plumbing sounds
When our home is well maintained and working properly, silence will be a reassuring sign of it. Rattling or vibrating noises in our plumbing could be a sign of a loose fitting or mount along our drain lines, which could cause a water leak behind your walls.
Be aware of any water noise, any hissing or rattling sound when the fixtures are turned off, as they often are a call out from your pipes needing attention.
Like everything in a home, its plumbing systems require regular maintenance as they tend to age and deteriorate over time. Performing inspections of all accessible pipes, drains, and valves regularly is important to prevent expensive damage in and outside your home. More importantly, being aware of the signs listed above and taking immediate action if any of them occur by calling a professional plumber is crucial to detect and repair the problem.
Remember to trust Astar’s expert plumbers in the DFW area for all your plumbing needs: from drain camera inspections to complete home re-piping services, our team of professional technicians is ready to help you solve any plumbing problem in your home. Give us a call today!