There’s something tricky about plumbing leaks and other problems. They tend to hide really well! They usually happen behind walls and sometimes even under the foundation of your home. Therefore, they’re pretty undetectable.
Sure, some plumbing issues are obvious, such as a clogged drain or a leaking faucet. You don’t really need to know any “signs” of these since they’ll be apparent.
But for your hidden pipes, a leak or issue can occur and go unnoticed for a long period of time and do some damage in the meantime if you’re not attentive to your plumbing system. For these issues, there are signs you can watch out for. Read on as we uncover some of them.
Cracks in the Home’s Foundation
Do you live in an aging home? It’s natural to see a few small, minor cracks and fissures in your home’s foundation in this case. But what isn’t normal is if you see an excess amount of cracks with no apparent cause.
When water leaks go undetected for too long, it can cause the structural foundation of your home to weaken. This is one of those plumbing issues that warrant a call to our pros right away!
Sudden Increase in Water Bills
Do you know what to expect when you get your water bill each month? If you and your household use reasonable amounts of water throughout the year, but notice that your water bills have gotten higher and higher lately, it’s very likely you have an undetected leak. The longer that leak is allowed to go on, the higher your water bills will get, even though you aren’t technically using any more water than usual.
Visible Water Damage
When a leak goes unnoticed for too long, water will start pooling in unlikely places. If you notice stains on your floor, ceiling, or walls, or even puddles in your yard when it hasn’t rained, it’s usually a sign of a plumbing leak somewhere. This is true as well for warped walls, bubbling surfaces, or buckling floorboards.
Mold and Mildew Growth
If you notice mildew, mold, or even in severe cases mushrooms, growing in unlikely spots, such as between your carpet and baseboards, it’s a sure sign of a plumbing leak. Water leaks raise the humidity levels in your home and create an environment where mold and fungi can flourish.
The Sound of Running Water
If you hear water running even though no taps or appliances are on at the moment, then it warrants a call to our pros. We’re not saying to listen for a rushing stream of water, but rather a trickle or a dripping noise that seems to be coming from behind a wall or beneath your floor.
When You Suspect a Leak
If you do, in fact, suspect that there is a leak in your home, the best thing you can do is give our team a call. We will do what’s called a video pipe inspection and search your pipes with a small camera on the end of a cable, to see where the leak is occurring and what the source is.
From there, we can make appropriate recommendations and get your plumbing system back in good shape!
Contact AllTech Services, Inc. when you need a trustworthy Fairfax, VA plumber!