Hidden Leaks: Tips For Recognizing The Signs That You Have A Pipe Leaking In Your Home
Having a leak in the home is a nightmare that most homeowners hope to never experience. Unfortunately, residential leaks are quite common, and they can cause a lot of damage. A leaking pipe under the bathroom sink or a dripping hot water heater are easy to see with your eyes. But, since so much of a home's plumbing is hidden, it can be difficult to discover and identify leaks right away. The last thing you want is for a leaking pipe behind drywall or under your home to leak for an extended period of time. The sooner a leak is detected and repaired, the less damage there will be. If you own a home, watch for these common signs of a hidden leak in your home.
Noticeable Increase in Water Bill
When you have a leaking pipe that can't be seen, water will continually flow through the crack. This means that your water consumption will be higher than normal on your water meter, even if your household is not consuming more water than normal. Pay close attention to your water bill each month—if you receive a bill that is much higher than normal with no explanation, it is in your best interest to hire an experienced plumber for leak detection services.
Patches of Mold or Mildew
No one wants to deal with mold or mildew growing in their home, but a hidden leak can provide the moisture that mold and mildew need to grow and thrive. If you ever notice mold growing on your drywall or any other surface of your home, don't ignore it or dismiss it. It is also not a good idea to just clean the mold away without getting to the root of the problem. When there is sudden mold or mildew growth in your home, it is often a red flag that you have a leak somewhere.
Damaged Walls or Ceiling
A lot of a home's pipes are behind walls or hidden between floors in multi-level homes. When a pipe can't be seen and begins to leak, the water will start to damage the drywall, leaving evidence of the water. You may notice water stains on your ceiling or in the corners of a room where the walls meet the ceiling. Your walls may begin to feel softer as the drywall disintegrates, and the paint may begin bubbling, peeling, or cracking. Your walls and ceiling will not experience damage for no reason, so when damage is noticed, contact a plumbing company for assistance finding the leak in your home.
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