Plumbing leaks can be a disastrous problem, costing you hundreds to even thousands of dollars depending on the severity. The best way to cut these costs is to find the leak early and make repairs quickly. Big or small, you need professional leak detection services at the first sign of trouble in your home. Most plumbing lines and pipes run behind walls, under the floor, or in other relatively hidden areas. For aesthetic purposes, this design is a great idea but these hidden pipes make spotting a leak much more difficult. Read on to learn some of the most common warning signs of a plumbing leak so that you can prevent a massive catastrophe and call for help when needed.
1. Sound of Running Water
If you hear dripping water or even running water but cannot find the source, you may have a leaky pipe. You’ve probably scrambled around the house to check all the faucets. If you find all your taps off and still hear running water, you should suspect a plumbing leak. You can take a look around at the pipes in the cabinets under your sinks, the hookups from your washing machine, or pipes that run along the open and exposed ceiling in your basement. However, with many more pipes and water lines hidden from plain sight, you may strike out on your hunt for a leaky pipe. At this point, you need to call a professional plumber for leak detection services. Your plumber will use specialized tools and equipment in coordination with a vast understanding of plumbing to track down your leak. Remember that just because you can’t find the leak yourself doesn’t mean you don’t have one somewhere.
2. Water Stains or Wet Spots
Water stains or wet spots may appear randomly on your ceilings, walls, or floors. Remember that much of your plumbing system is hidden behind these barriers. If you have no reasonable explanation for how the area would have gotten wet, you should consider that your pipes might be leaking. If a pipe above your ceiling is leaking, the water will drip down and eventually cause a wet area or discolored patch. Even if the stain is dry, you still need professional plumbing services. Leaving a leak unrepaired threatens your home’s structure, plumbing system, and any belongings in the nearby area.
3. Mold and Mildew Growth
Unusual mold and mildew growth could be a warning sign of a plumbing leak, especially if you find it near pipes or drains. Any time you have water sitting where it doesn’t belong, you are subject to mold and mildew. Generally, mold and mildew grow in dark and damp areas, such as above the ceiling, under the floor, or in the walls. You might also find the nasty growth inside the cabinets under a sink or near the toilet. If you notice mold or mildew growing and cannot think of any other reasonable explanation for it to be there, contact your plumber for leak detection services.
4. Dramatic Unexplained Increase in Water Bill
As a homeowner, you probably have a pretty good idea of how much your water bill typically runs from month to month. You may see increases or decreases in your water usage depending on the time of year, such as different seasons or holidays. So when your water bill comes in the mail and is dramatically higher than you typically see, you should consider your water use during that billing period. Think about any unusual circumstances during that period that could have increased how much water you and your family used. Did you have guests, leading to more showers, laundry, and dishes? Did you fill the backyard pool for summertime fun? Maybe you’ve decided the automatic car wash is too expensive and think you can do a better job with a hose in your driveway. If you have racked your brain and cannot think of a valid explanation for why your water bill suddenly jumped, you might consider a plumbing leak as the culprit. Even if you have no other red flags, you should contact your plumber to seek out the source of the extra water showing up on your bill and make repairs as quickly as possible to cut down on your monthly costs.
5. Constant Low Water Pressure
You can probably tell when you are in the shower if someone is running water elsewhere in the house. The water pressure drops, making it a little more difficult to rinse off. You may even wait for the other person to stop running water to finish your shower. But what if the water pressure stays low and never returns to normal? Constant low water pressure is another warning sign of a plumbing leak. This is especially true if you have only some of your faucets or fixtures with low pressure. For example, if you find that the sink and shower in the bathroom are running slowly but the kitchen sink appears to be just fine, this could indicate a leak nearer to the bathroom. However, a plumbing leak can affect the entire house.
Running Water Meter
So, you suspect you have a plumbing leak but cannot find the problem on your own. You want to be sure there’s a problem before you call the plumber to avoid spending money you don’t need to. One nearly absolute piece of proof that you have a plumbing leak is to check your water meter. Be sure to shut off all appliances and fixtures that use water. Then, watch your water meter. If the meter is still moving with all the water shut off, you have a leak somewhere. At this time, you should call your plumber to detect the location and source of a water leak.
Unexplained Wet Spots in Your Yard
Imagine walking through your yard and you suddenly sink into a mud hole. However, it hasn’t rained lately and the rest of your yard is dry. So why do you have a wet, muddy area in the yard? A single area of extreme wetness in your yard is a strong indication of a sewer or septic problem. You may have a broken pipe that is allowing water and waste to escape and fill the ground around it. As the leak grows, it will eventually reach the surface and leave you with a mess in your yard.
Without professional help, you may have an undetected plumbing leak in your house causing damage. Now that you know the warning signs, you can better spot a leak and know when to call in your plumber. Our plumbers are highly skilled at detecting leaks and making needed repairs, helping you keep your home in top shape. In addition to leak detection services, we are your experts in heating, air conditioning, and plumbing. Our plumbers provide septic and sewer services, household plumbing repairs and installations, water softeners, and rooter services.
At the first sign of a plumbing leak in Chandler, AZ, call in the leak detection pros at Emergency Air Heating Cooling & Plumbing.
