7 Must-Know Warning Signs of a Possible Water Leak

Water Leaks can flood your home and cause considerable damage. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) holds that the average American household wastes nearly 10,000 gallons of water per year due to leaks.

Some indicators can lead you directly to the problem area. Often, however, until you expose the pipe, the actual location of the leak will remain a mystery. Below are some most common signs of a water leak you should look out for.

For the most part, the cost of water for your home should be consistent. A spike in usage, however, is not uncommon during warm weather when you’ll have to water your lawn and garden more frequently.

Nevertheless, you may have a leak if you notice a sudden increase in your water bill without a specific change in your habits.

Always pay attention to any strange noises from your pipes, as they may indicate a problem with your water system.

Leaks mainly occur in the walls or underground. Pressurized pipes produce hissing, splashing, or clinking sounds when broken. If you hear running water, check if the faucets or appliances are running.

If no water is running and you still hear running water, you might have a leaking problem. Locate where the noise is loudest to save time when the plumber comes for repair.

A damp floor is a reason to investigate the possibility of a water leak. Leaks often don’t show up on the floor unless they have been running for some time. Therefore you must take action as soon as you notice the wet spots.

A sudden unexplained drop in water pressure in your sink or shower is likely a sign of a leak in your water system. Check if all outlets have low pressure to help you locate the leak.

Note, however, that low water pressure might also mean that you have more than one leak. Therefore, you need to call a plumber to analyze your entire water system for possible leakages.

When cracks in your walls appear discolored, water damage to your home may be the cause.

In the event of a leak, water can seep into the wall’s framing and saturate the drywall. Eventually, the wall softens and deteriorates, leaving a crack with yellow or brown stains. When the leak is fresh, the area might also feel damp.

Cracks compromise your home’s structural integrity, which is hazardous to your family. Therefore, if you notice any cracks in the wall, get a professional eye on it immediately to ensure safety.

A leaking pipe, uninsulated pipes, leaking washing machine hoses, or water leaking into the basement can cause mold to grow.

Occasionally, water leaks can cause toxic black mold to develop, which is extremely dangerous. As a fungus, black mold spreads its spores in the air, growing once in contact with damp conditions. Black mold is often hard to see because it thrives in dark, damp places, like inside walls.

Besides being unsightly, mold can cause upper respiratory problems and aggravate allergies and asthma. You may also experience damage to your home’s wood, drywall, and other materials if you fail to control mold.

Water leaks may occur on any kind of pipe. Sewer pipes in and outside your home are also prone to leaking. When sewer pipes leak, they fail to channel dirty water and sewage to the sewer lines, and you are bound to notice an off-putting odor in your home.

Fungal growth caused by leaking pipes is another possible cause of foul smells in your home. When mold grows and spreads, it emits gasses that emit a musty smell.

Leaks are hard to find; however, these stressful problems can quickly become costly if you do not deal with them in time. So do not wait until extensive damage occurs. Instead, contact us at Quality Plumbing today for reliable and trusted comprehensive plumbing services.