There is nothing more frustrating than dealing with water damage. No matter how old your home is, there’s a chance you will have to deal with a leak at some point during home ownership. Whether it’s a dripping faucet, a burst pipe, or a faulty appliance, leaks can be disastrous to your home if they go unnoticed or are left unrepaired. Here are some signs you may have a water leak in your home:
1. Increased Water Bills
For the most part, your water bills should be pretty consistent with steady usage. You could see an increase if you are watering the garden, filling up the swimming pool, or having out-of-town guests. But if your water bill suddenly increases for no reason, you may have an undetected leak. These leaks could be underground or behind walls – places that are hidden and out of sight.
The average household wastes over 10,000 gallons of water a year, while 10 percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more daily. That’s a lot of water, and it will add up if it goes unnoticed. So, don’t ignore an unusually high water bill – start looking around your home for some other signs.
2. Water Stains
A clear indication of a leak is the presence of water stains on the ceiling or walls. As water comes into contact with these areas, it can leave behind unsightly marks that are difficult to miss. Water stains start small but spread as the leak continues. Sometimes, you may also notice the drywall or plaster beginning to bubble up or become soft and soggy. Eventually, it will warp and break apart.
If you notice this kind of water damage, you may need a plumber to open the ceiling or wall to check the condition of the plumbing behind it. A leak in the roof is usually easier to access through the attic and will help you avoid patching the drywall. If there is a leak in the wall plumbing, you should be able to access it via a panel on the opposite side of the wall.
3. Flaking Paint or Bubbles in Wallpaper
Much like drywall and plaster becoming bubbly, if water seeps behind walls, it can collect under the paint or wallpaper. Over time, the paint will flake, peel, and chip off. It can also create dark spots or other discolorations on the paint. You could also notice your wallpaper peeling away or forming bubbles where water is trapped behind it. If you suspect a leak, check the humidity level in the suspected rooms. Higher humidity may suggest increased moisture due to a leak.
4. Musty Odors
If you’ve noticed musty smells in your home, even when you know your house is clean, this could be another sign of a potential leak causing water to build up inside your walls or crawlspace. Even if you can’t see visible signs, the odor you are smelling could mean something is wrong. Excess moisture creates the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew, emitting a distinct, musty odor.
If you notice these smells seemingly out of nowhere, don’t cover them up with air fresheners; keep looking for the leak until you locate the source.
5. Wet Spots
Major water leaks typically go one place – to the floor, meaning you could see spots on your carpets or rugs. Unusual smells, discoloration of your flooring, or a feeling of dampness could also accompany this. A wet carpet is a sure sign that moisture is coming from somewhere. The sooner you contact Eastern Plumbing to fix the leak, the less damage you will have to your home.
6. Mold Growth
Mold thrives in moist, dark areas, and pipes hidden in a wall are the ideal conditions for growth. So, if you spot any signs of mold growth (fuzzy splotches or green or black streaks) or have a reaction, like irritated eyes or wheezing, you may have a water leak. Investigate further and call a professional to clean the mold thoroughly, so it doesn’t spread.
Mold can develop within 24 to 48 hours after a leak occurs. If left unchecked, it can spread rapidly through walls and ductwork, creating an unhealthy indoor environment and causing structural damage.
7. Sounds Behind Walls
When you turn on a faucet, you should only hear the sound of running water until you twist the valve off. Hearing dripping or hissing noises when no water is running could mean there’s a leak behind the walls or under the floorboards.
8. Low Water Pressure
Suddenly encountering low water pressure when you try to turn on a faucet can indicate a leak elsewhere. This issue can be caused by a leak that is stealing the flow of water, which could originate in an entirely different part of your home.
If you find yourself unexpectedly dealing with a leak, you might have questions. Call the professionals at Eastern Plumbing. We will be happy to answer your questions and send a technician out to inspect your areas of concern. And remember, the longer a leak goes undetected, the more damage it will cause to your home. Routinely checking your home for leaks can save you a significant amount of money and stress.
