One of the usual sources of water loss is a leaking pipe. The majority of homeowners will encounter one at some point where most are easy to pinpoint and requires a quick fix. Sadly, others are left undetected for some time until they cause evident damage.
Timely detection and intervention of a water pipe leak can save on costly repairs and prevent a potential disaster. To avoid such kind of problems, you must get pipes from industrial piping companies in Tulsa. You must know the signs of a water pipe leak so you'll take immediate action. Water damage occurs frequently in households. Whether it is due to a broken pipe or a lucky escape, water is often the cause of ruinous property damage. The water may leak from a broken pipe, a burst pipe, or a leaking roof. The burst of an exterior pipe that causes water damage to your property should be the trigger for you to claim with your insurance company. In most cases, insurance companies do not cover water damage. After your property has been damaged by flooding, an insurance adjuster can help you deal with the claims process. Here are some indications of a water pipe leak in your home.
Jump to:
1. Inspect The Water Meter
One way to know if you have a leak somewhere in your home is to check the water meter. The first thing you should do is turn off the faucets in your house. You should also switch off all appliances that utilize water, such as the dishwasher and washing machine.
Observe if there are changes in the water meter. A sudden change is a clear sign of a leak. If the meter doesn't show any changes, it might be best to wait for a few hours and check again. If the water meter changes even if you turn off all the faucets, it's a sign of a slow leak. Sadly, it can be hard to pinpoint the leak's location, especially behind the walls or underground. In such cases, consider calling a professional plumber from The Pipe Dr. to inspect and work on the repairs.
If you want to effectively deal with a leak in your home, checking out reliable plumbing services capable of efficient water pipe repair would greatly help prevent water damage to your home.
2. Skyrocketing Water Bills
Expect your utility bill to increase during summer, especially if you have a lawn to care for. However, if your water bill is exceptionally high, even if there are no signs of increased use, it might indicate a leak in your water pipes.
In some cases, it might start as a minor increase in your usual rate, while others end up with a significant upsurge. Either way, it's a clear sign you shouldn't overlook, or you'll end up with costly utility bills and potential damage to your home.
Aside from a leaking pipe somewhere in your home, a leaky toilet is also one of the culprits of an increased water bill.
3. Visible Growth Of Mold And Mildew
The continuous leak of water from the pipes will allow the growth of mold and mildew since it provides an environment with standing water and moisture.
Depending on the leak's location, it might start to show on the walls, ceiling, baseboards, or flooring. If there's a musty odor in your basement, it's also a sign of mold growth.
Aside from the unsightly appearance of mold and mildew, it can put your family at risk for respiratory issues, especially those with asthma or allergies.
While thorough cleaning helps remove mold and mildew, it's also critical to identify the source of the leak and make the necessary repairs.
4. Unusual Sounds In The Plumbing
If you want to know the signs of a water pipe leak, it might come as a surprise that hearing unusual sounds in the plumbing is one of them.
Once you start hearing unusual sounds, expect that there's a leak in your water pipes. In most cases, you're likely to hear whistling, bubbling, or continuous dripping. If the pipes running through your home are already aging, they're more vulnerable to leaks.
When there's rattling or vibrating sounds, it might signify a loose mount or fitting in the system. As for hissing or rattling in the pipes, even if you switch off all fixtures, it might be best to call a plumber to perform an inspection and carry out the necessary repairs.
5. Damage To The Walls, Ceilings, And Flooring
The indications of damage are usually subtle at first. In most cases, you're likely to find a small spot of staining on the wall or ceiling. Sadly, any discoloration or staining, even a minor one, might indicate something’s going on behind the surface. If a section of the ceiling with discoloration starts to sag, it requires immediate repair to prevent it from breaking down entirely, which can be a costly repair job.
Although it'll start as a barely noticeable stain, continuous leaking from a pipe behind the wall or ceiling can put your home at risk for water damage.
If the leak is below the flooring, you'll notice the creaking of the floorboards. The floor might warp or develop soft areas where your foot sinks sightly when stepping on one. If you have tiles, they might start to loosen, or the caulking is cracking and peeling.
6. Rusty Pipes
Those living in older houses are likely to have pipes or drains in galvanized steel. Generally, galvanized steel will eventually develop rust and corrosion, risking leaks.
Once you notice any stains, discoloration, flaking, or evident rusting on exposed pipes, it's a clear sign of corrosion. In such scenarios, it would require a replacement job to avert a possible breakdown. Doing so will save you from a more extensive and costly repair job.
7. Evident Drop In The Water Pressure
Usually, you'd expect the usual gush of water once you turn on the shower or faucet. Sadly, if the water is a mere trickle or a drop, it may be moving through a leak before it reaches the fixtures.
When there's an abrupt drop in the water pressure, even if the fixtures are inactive, it might be a clear sign of a leak in your plumbing system.
8. Pooling Of Water
Once you start to notice puddles of water on your property, it's an obvious sign of a leak in the plumbing system. Generally, you're likely to find water pooling in your yard or even in the basement. In such cases, call a plumber to determine the root cause and carry out timely repairs.
Final Thoughts
A leak from any of the pipes in your home can waste large amounts of water and trigger a significant increase in your monthly utility bill. You must know the signs of a water pipe leak so you'll take immediate action. Once any of these tell-tale signs are present, call a professional plumber right away to carry out the necessary repairs.
