There’s nothing worse than discovering you have an ongoing water leak in your home that has gone undetected for weeks, months, or even years. A hidden water leak can cause extensive damage to your home, lead to mold growth, which can be a serious health hazard, and cause other problems. Identifying and fixing water leaks can be a costly repair, so it’s best to be proactive in checking for any leaks.
So, how can you tell if you have a hidden water leak in your home? Here are five tell-tale signs to look out for.
1. A Sudden Hike in Your Water Bill
If you’ve been using the same amount of water as usual, but your bill has gone up, you likely have a leak. A small leak may not impact your bill too much, but a larger one can add up quickly. Check all the appliances and water fixtures in your home to see if they’re operating as they should be. If not, you may have a leak.
In most cases, a sudden water bike hike means that the leak is located inside your home. Leaks can also happen in between the meter and your home, which is the responsibility of the municipality or water company. Contact professional leak detection experts right away if you see a sudden increase in your water bill.
2. Decreasing Water Pressure
Another common sign of a hidden water leak is a sudden decrease in your home’s water pressure. This happens when pipes become corroded or damaged and can no longer transport water as efficiently. In this case, a blockage or a leak could be the culprit behind your home’s decreased water pressure. If you notice that your showers are suddenly taking longer to get hot, or that the water pressure has significantly reduced, it’s time to call a professional.
3. Wet Floors, Walls, and Outdoor Areas
If you’re noticing wet floors, walls, or water patches in outdoor areas such as the front or backyard, it may be a sign of a hidden water leak. Be sure to check for any signs of moisture or dampness and look for any cracks or holes in the area that may be causing the leak. If your floor feels spongy or soft when you walk on it, this is also a sign that there may be water damage.
If you see any mold or mildew growing on your walls or ceilings, this is also a tell-tale sign of a water leak. Mold and mildew need moisture to grow, so if you see any growth in these areas, it’s important to check for leaks. Outdoors, you may notice puddles of water or wet spots on the ground. If you have an irrigation system, be sure to check for any leaks in the system as well.
4. Discolored Water and Musty Odor Indoors
Is your water discolored, or do you have a musty odor coming from your water? These are both signs that there could be a hidden water leak. This is mostly caused by a break in the pipe hidden from view. This can be a serious problem because it can lead to health problems if the water is contaminated. If you notice any discoloration in your water or a musty odor, it’s important to call a plumber right away to investigate and fix the problem.
5. Unusual Sounds Coming from Pipes
Sometimes, you can hear water dripping even when there’s no visible sign of a leak. If you hear this, it’s time to start investigating where the sound is coming from. You may also hear bubbling or gurgling sounds. These usually indicate that there’s an issue with your water piping or even a drainage system problem. This problem mostly happens where pipes connect to fixtures, like a faucet or toilet.
Don’t Ignore Water Leaks in Your Home
If you have a water leak in your home, don’t ignore it. These five tell-tale signs of a hidden water leak should help you identify whether or not you have a problem. If you do, be sure to act quickly and get in touch with a professional who can help repair the issue before it causes any further damage. Regular inspections of your plumbing can also help prevent water leaks from becoming a problem in the first place.