Detecting and eliminating unwanted dampness
Hidden leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water per year and often result in serious damage to the underlying structure of your home. Watch for these signs to detect leaks so you can take action before they become severe.
Increased Water Bills
A sudden spike in your water bill is one of the telltale signs of a hidden leak. If you can’t find any reason for the change and your bills remain high even when you’re trying to be conservative, it’s time to have the plumbing checked.
Discolored Patches
Hidden water can cause dark places, rings, or other color changes to appear on the ceiling and walls around your home. In some cases this may be the result of a leaky roof, but it could also mean that the pipes are sending water where it shouldn’t be going.
Peeling or Blistered Walls
Water inside walls can cause wallpaper and paint to blister, bubble, or peel. This is rarely the result of normal exposure to steam and can be indicative of a leak that has been slowly growing worse over time. It’s best to call a plumber as soon as possible when you see these signs.
Sagging or Wet Floors
If your bathroom floor seems excessively wet after you take a shower, or the floors in other parts of your home start to sag for no apparent reason, a hidden leak could be to blame. A little bit of water can be normal, especially if you live in a humid climate, but you shouldn’t see puddles or damp places with tiles that are coming loose.
Moldy Smell or Visible Mold
Leaky pipes create the damp conditions that are prime breeding grounds for mold. You may see mold growing in places where the walls, ceiling, or floor have been continually wet due to a leak. Even when there isn’t any visible growth, mold creates a musty “old basement” smell that’s hard to miss and shouldn’t be ignored. Mold growth can cause serious health complications, especially for people with sensitivities, allergies, and asthma.
Don’t wait to have your pipes checked when you discover these signs of a water leak. Letting a leak go could result in serious damage that’s expensive to fix. Instead, nip the problem in the bud by giving ABC Home & Commercial Services in San Antonio a call. Our team of specialists is fully equipped to provide your home with the plumbing services necessary to stop leaks and prevent further damage.
Comments
I’m glad that you pointed out to watch out for any increases in my water bill. I’ve always thought that an increase in my bill is a sign that I’ve been using too much water. That could be the case, but it’s also important to check if there’s a water leak that could be the reason for the cost of your monthly bill to spike up.
It is interesting how many ways you can be able to detect a water leak. I had no idea that water leaks could change the color of your ceiling or floor with water marks. However, I can definitely see how an unknown leak would lead to your water bills increasing. These are definitely things that I am going to have to start watching out for.
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Thank you for the list of signs that indicate my home has a hidden water leak. My water bill has been a few dollars higher than usual and I don’t know why. I haven’t been using water more than usual. Perhaps I have a leak somewhere in my house. I will have to call a plumber and see if he can find it. Does anyone know of a plumber I can call?
It is really concerning that leaks can cause so much problem and waste so much water! I would really like to keep an eye out for a few more of these signs, because already for the last two or three months I have noticed that my water bill is higher. Now I will try to keep a look out for any discolored patches or any problems with the walls that may show signs of water damage. However, if I can’t seem to find any signs of a leak, it might be good to just get the plumbing checked anyways just to see if there are any issues.