Did you know that over 10,000 gallons of water per year can be lost due to small leaks?
As you continue to live in your home, a lot of other costs come into the equation. An important one is repairing or replacing your plumbing pipes, which often happens due to old age.
Are you ready to learn more about how to detect leaks and what the signs are? If so, then keep reading for everything you need to know about leaks in your plumbing system.
1. A Leak in the Water Meter
It is important to inspect your water meter to see if it is running constantly or if there is a noticeable leak in the water meter. This can be done by inspecting the meter’s face and noting any drips or streams of water coming from the meter.
If that occurs, you may need to hire a professional plumber for plumbing repairs. Taking prompt action can help you avoid costly plumbing repairs in the future.
2. Common Sounds of Pipe Leaks
Common sounds associated with leaking plumbing pipes in your home typically include the sound of dripping or running water. You may also hear gurgling or whistling coming from nearby pipes.
Having leaky pipes can cause extensive water damage, so it is important to act quickly in order to reduce the cost of repairs and prevent future health hazards. It’s best to have a professional inspect your home for any potential problems before further damage occurs.
3. Cracks in the Foundation of Your Home
Cracks in the foundation of your home are an indication that it may be suffering from structural damage due to leaky pipes. Bulging in the walls or floors can also be an indication of a leaky pipe. Leaky residential plumbing pipes can cause significant water damage and lead to the deterioration of the foundation of your home.
Signs of leaky pipes include a visible separation of wall joints and damp spots on the walls and floors. If you notice any of these signs, immediately contact a plumbing professional to inspect your pipes.
Ignoring these signs could lead to further water damage, creating bigger cracks in the foundation of your home and other potential structural problems.
4. Odd Smell
An odd smell in your home is one of the signs of plumbing issues. It may be faint at first, but it will get stronger as time goes on. The smell could be coming from the kitchen or bathroom, but it could also be coming from a cracked or broken pipe hidden within the walls and ceilings.
Over time, pipes can corrode and weaken to the point that they begin to break down, leading to leaks. If the smell is emanating from somewhere near the pipes, it could be moisture buildup, and you should check the pipes for any sore spots.
The smell could smell like sulfur, mildew, or mold, which means there could be standing water in the area. Don’t wait too long or else the repair can cost more if it’s left unchecked for too long.
5. Huge Increase in Water Bill
Plumbing problems can cause a huge increase in your water bill, as well as impair the functioning of your plumbing system. If you suspect that you have a leaky plumbing pipe, there are several signs to look out for in your home. Monitor your water bill and watch for a sudden sharp increase in the amount you need to pay.
Look for moisture or pooling water around existing pipes and fixtures. Check for water leaking from underneath your sink or other vulnerable areas, and inspect your pipes for any visible cracks. If you’re not sure, employ a leak detection service to be sure, before costly damages and repairs are necessary.
6. Presence of Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew are common signs of plumbing issues in a home. Water seeping into areas of the home can create an optimal environment for mold and mildew to grow.
Areas with poor ventilation, such as attics, basements, and bathrooms, are like breeding grounds for these fungi, making it easier for them to fester and spread.
Also, humid conditions combined with excess moisture from plumbing leaks can cause moisture to form on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. This not only attracts mold and mildew, but can also create peeling paint, discoloration of walls, water stains, and high levels of musty odors that are telltale signs of a plumbing problem.
7. Water Stains
When inspecting for signs of leaky pipes in your home, look for water stains. Water stains may appear on ceilings or walls, are often yellowish-brown in color, and will become more prominent as the leak accumulates. Disregard paint that has been splattered onto surfaces, as this is not caused by plumbing issues.
Pay special attention to water stains directly below sinks, toilets, and appliance fixtures, as this greatly indicates plumbing problems. In bathrooms, check around the tubs, showers, and faucets for any staining and other signs of leaking.
With all these measures in mind, it will be much easier to detect when there is a plumbing issue, which can save homeowners from further serious damage. Check out general plumbing services linked here.
Make Sure that You Maintain the Plumbing Pipes
Having problems with your plumbing pipes can cause serious damage to your home. When you have plans of selling your home in the future, it is very important that you keep the pipes properly maintained. Hence, you have to do something about the problem pipes at once.
Leaky pipes can cause damage and increase your water-billing costs; be proactive in looking for signs of damage. Make sure to check your walls and floors for stains, inspect exposed pipes for corrosion and discoloration, and listen to noises.
If you’re still uncertain, call a professional plumber to inspect the problem and find a solution. Don’t wait – take action now.
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