Did you know that water damage accounts for up to 45% of homeowners’ insurance claims? This makes plumbing problems one of the most common reasons for home repairs.
Of course, the goal is to find and fix a leaky pipe before it creates major damage. From a roof leak to pipe leaks, undiscovered plumbing issues can spell disaster for your home.
Wondering how to find a leaky pipe that may be hidden from view? Here are five signs to watch out for.
1. Higher Than Normal Water Bill
Sometimes there’s a valid reason why your water bill goes up. If you had guests visit for a few weeks or you’re watering your laws more during a dry summer, it’s no surprise to get a high water bill.
However, what if you get a huge bill with no discernable reason? A hidden plumbing leak could be the culprit.
2. Wet Spot in Your Yard
Your home’s sewer lines run under your home and through your yard to the municipal sewer main. Sometimes these lines get clogged or damaged and begin to leak underground. In time, the ground will get soaked and you’ll find a strange wet spot in your yard.
If there’s no valid reason for this spot, chances are it’s coming from a damaged or collapsed pipe. You’ll need to call in a professional leak detection service to send a camera through your pipe and identify the problem.
3. Visible Mold or Mildew
Mold and mildew love moist environments. Even a slow plumbing leak can leave enough moisture in the air for these harmful substances to thrive.
If you see or smell signs of mold in your home, there’s a good chance you’ve got a leaky pipe hiding somewhere. Another telltale sign is if members of your family suddenly develop allergies, sinus problems, or headaches for no apparent reason.
4. Stains on Your Ceiling or Walls
A little bit of water sloshing out of the second-floor bathtub isn’t enough to stain the ceiling, but a leaky pipe will. Even worse, pipe leaks weaken wooden beams over time, which could lead to a serious structural issue with your home.
Look for copper, brown, or otherwise dark spots in your ceilings and walls. Rust is another major sign of hidden water leaks. Don’t wait for your ceiling to start sagging — get an expert in to fix it ASAP.
5. Damaged Flooring, Paint, or Wallpaper
Is your bathroom or kitchen floor starting to buckle, crack, or warp? Are parts of your wallpaper starting to peel, bubble, or crack? You might also notice the paint on the walls starting to discolor or blister.
Again, a leaky pipe is almost certainly to blame for these situations.
Find a Leaky Pipe? Get It Fixed Today!
Plumbing problems never go away on their own. If you suspect you have hidden pipe leaks lurking in your home, don’t delay! Take care of those plumbing issues before they get worse (and leave you with a huge repair bill).
Now that you know how to find a leaky pipe, what’s next? Keep browsing our site for more tips and advice.
