If water is spraying out from under your sink, there’s no doubt: you’ve got a plumbing leak. But with so much of your plumbing system out of sight, and with many plumbing leaks starting with a trickle and not a dramatic spray, a problem can be tricky to spot.
How can you tell there’s a plumbing leak happening in a hidden area? Keep an eye out for these signs so you can get leaks repaired and avoid major water damage.
Water Usage Changes
Water usage can fluctuate, but if there’s a major increase, the reason for it should be obvious. (Perhaps you have a dozen Thanksgiving guests all taking showers.) When your water usage rises and there’s no reason you’re aware of, that water is going somewhere. Where? In order to find out, you’ll need leak detection services in Manassas, VA.
Water Heater Trouble
A leak in a cold water line shouldn’t affect your water heater, but if the leak is in a hot water line, it will. If your water heater is running much more of the time, or at times when you haven’t been using the hot water, it’s a sign that hot water is leaking out somewhere. This will also affect your utility bills, as heating extra water can be quite costly.
Water Stains
With a slow leak, a water stain may appear and spread very gradually. If you’re wondering whether that discolored area on your wall and ceiling is growing, get a plumber in to take a look right away. If the leak continues, the drywall will sag and deteriorate, and wooden structural components like studs can be affected.
Warm Spots
Heat can sometimes travel faster than water. Before that water stain appears, if the leak is from a hot water line, you may be able to feel warmth on the wall or floor closest to the leak. Catching it before your home is too damaged by the water could save you thousands of dollars, so don’t ignore this subtle clue.
Humidity
Adding water to your home doesn’t just mean puddles, stains, and soaking in. It also means that some of the water is evaporating, adding moisture to the air. This will result in muggy, thick-feeling air or even an increase in humidity that you can measure (if you have a thermometer that also shows humidity levels).
Mold Growth
One thing that will absolutely love the increased humidity in your home is mold. Soggy spots and moist air are a perfect habitat. Mold could be growing in an area that’s out of sight, so use your nose. If you can smell mildew in your home, that means there’s mold somewhere, with enough moisture to thrive. Mold remediation can be tremendously costly, so address it immediately.
When you suspect a plumbing leak, our leak detection experts can track it down to its source so it can be repaired before the damage spreads.
AllTech Services, Inc. is your trusted resource for all your plumbing concerns. Contact us today!