Clogged toilets and slow draining sinks and showers are some of the more evident plumbing issues homeowners face. One issue that isn’t as evident at first look, glance or smell is leaking pipes. Unfortunately, leaks aren’t always as obvious and can end up causing major damage to your home when they remain unresolved. The four signs listed below can help you discover whether or not your home is suffering from a hidden leak.
Check Your Water Meter
If you suspect there’s a leak somewhere in your home, you can use your water meter to further investigate the situation. First, you will need to shut off the water in your house. This includes all faucets and your dishwasher and washing machine. Next, take a close look at your water meter. If it begins to move immediately, your home may have an aggressive leak. However, if you don’t see movement right away, wait a few hours and check again. This time, if your water is still shut off and the meter has moved, your home probably has a slow leak.
Water Damage
Another sign of a hidden leak in your house is any water damage on your paint, walls, or floors. If you’re noticing paint chipping off of your walls, or random stains appearing, you could have a pipe that is leaking in your wall. If you find any part of your floor that is cracking, stained or coming up, you could have a pipe leaking underneath it.
Watch Your Water Bill
Unless your family’s water usage has increased, your home’s water bill should stay in the same range from month to month. Has your bill consistently gone up? There is a good chance you have a leaky pipe somewhere in your home. At this point, calling a professional plumber to find the leak and repair it is your best option.
Mold, Mildew or Unsightly Smells
Unseen leaks often lead to unseen mold. However, the mold is usually accompanied by a musty odor. If there are areas in your home that emit a musty smell. You just can’t get rid of it, a leak in the wall or ceiling is a definite possibility. Old, stale and still water tends to carry a musty and bad smell with it. If the smells are still there even after you’ve cleaned your bathroom, one of the causes could be that one of your pipes is leaking.
Leaking pipes can quickly lead to costly water damage if left untreated. The sooner you take action, the more you can save on repairs. If you’re concerned about a potential leak but aren’t sure where it’s coming from or how to fix it, we’re here to help. Contact us today for expert plumbing in Dayton, Ohio. We’ll assess the situation, provide a solution, and save you money in the process!
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