Signs of a Hidden Plumbing Leak

How do you know if you have a hidden plumbing leak? A leak sometimes is hidden behind the walls, floor, or ceiling of your home. These do not always present themselves as an obvious puddle, so you need to keep your eye out for other signs. Resolve a hidden plumbing leak quickly to avoid extensive damage to your home and help you save money and water. Here are a few signs to look out for.

Your Water Bill Has Gone Up

A hidden plumbing leak means your water is running continuously. The water meter is ticking away the longer you leave it alone. If you see a spike in your next water bill without a good reason, there is probably a leak somewhere in your house. Even small leaks can make a big difference, especially if you leave it for a long time. Here is a good tip for the next time you go on vacation. Record the numbers on your water meter before and after you leave on a trip. When no one is at home to use the water, the numbers should stay the same.

Mold and Wet Spots

One obvious sign of a hidden plumbing leak is wet spots around your plumbing. Look carefully at the areas around your toilet, sink, or bathtub. If there is a leak in an upstairs bathroom, you might see a stain forming on the ceiling on the floor below. If you see a stain forming, it has likely been leaking for a while, and you should take care of it as soon as possible. Mold and mildew love damp environments. A hidden plumbing leak left untreated can cause a mold problem. Mold is known to create respiratory problems, especially black mold. Black mold is toxic to breathe. Mold usually develops in areas that are frequently damp. So if you see mold forming or smell the musty odor, it means something is causing that area to be damp, which could be a sign of a leak.

Reduced Water Pressure

If you get a disappointing water pressure or even a slow trickle when you turn on the faucet or shower, the water could be coming out somewhere down the line. A few things could cause reduced water pressure, but if it is a hidden plumbing leak, you should take care of it right away.

Structural Damage

In extreme cases, you may see some visible structural damage caused by the hidden plumbing leak. A sagging ceiling is dangerous, and so is a warped floor. If you see the paint bubbling, this could also indicate a leak. Get it fixed right away, and then repair the ceiling and floor. Even the foundation of your home is not safe from the water damage of a bad leak. Continuous contact with a water source can lead to a weakened foundation. Sometimes your pipes might be visibly discolored or corroded.

Fix even a small hidden plumbing leak as early as possible. Watch for small changes to catch the leak early. Give Valley Fire Protection & Plumbing a call if you have found any of the signs we talked about in your home! We can help you fix that leak, so make an appointment with us today.

Related Topics: Residential Plumbing
By: Tom Hartel
I acquired my expertise by directing day-to-day operations of the business for over 20 years. Continuous hard work helped me become a nationally recognized speaker and expert on fire protection, fire sprinklers, special hazards, and plumbing systems. In this blog, I share my knowledge that will hopefully help you make better decisions for your projects.

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