Leaks in the plumbing system can result in extensive property damage and expensive repairs. It's best to find a leak as soon as possible. Yet, locating a plumbing leak might be difficult if it is behind walls or beneath the flooring. CPE Industries will review five warning signs of a hidden plumbing leak and how to find it in this blog post.
1. A shocking jump in your monthly water bill
A spike in your water bill can be an indication that there is a leak somewhere underground. Your water bill may have grown dramatically for no apparent reason if there is a leak in your plumbing. If you suspect a leak, turn off your home's water supply and read your meter. There may be a leak that needs fixing if the meter keeps ticking.
2. Smells of dampness or mold
A hidden plumbing leak could be to blame for your home's musty or wet odor. Mold and mildew can flourish in damp parts of your home if leaks cause water to pool there, and there may be a leak if these growths emit a foul odor. If your house has a musty or damp smell, you need to find out where it's coming from and fix it as quickly as possible.
3. Discoloration or spots caused by water
Walls, ceilings, or floors with water stains or discoloration could indicate a plumbing leak. Leaks in the plumbing system can cause water to seep through the walls or ceiling, leaving unsightly stains. If you see water stains or discoloration on your property, you should look for the source of the leak and fix it immediately. If water damage or discoloration is ignored, it can spread and cause structural damage and health problems.
4. There is insufficient water pressure.
A hidden plumbing leak might cause low water pressure. When water pressure is down due to plumbing leaks, running appliances or taking showers becomes difficult. If your water pressure suddenly drops, you should find out why and fix it immediately. It is essential to have a professional plumber check out low water pressure because it could be a sign of other plumbing concerns.
5. Sounds of running water
The sound of flowing water in a house where no one is using water could indicate a leak underground. The sound of running water may indicate a leak, which causes water to run continuously. If you hear water running inside your home, you should find the noise source and fix it immediately.
Finding a concealed water leak and fixing it.
Finding the source of a hidden plumbing leak can be difficult, but there are specific tests you can run to narrow down the possibilities. If you suspect a leak in your plumbing system, try these methods:
1. Inspect the water meter.
As was previously indicated, if you suspect a plumbing leak, you should first check your water meter. The water meter should be checked while the water supply is turned off. There may be a leak in your plumbing system if the meter keeps ticking after you turn off the water.
2. Using Food Color
If you suspect one, food coloring can be used to find a toilet leak. Put a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank and let it sit for a while. Flapper valve or overflow tube leaks can cause discoloration in the bowl.
3. Check for Water Stains
Walls, ceilings, or floors with water stains or discoloration could have a plumbing leak. Look for discoloration or colors, then find the water's entry point.
4. Monitor Your Water Bill
A water leak might take time to be apparent, but monitoring your water bill can assist. By keeping a log, compare your current water consumption to that of prior months. An unaccounted-for spike in your water bill could be a sign of a leak in your plumbing system.
5. Check The Plumbing
A plumbing leak may only be visible once you inspect the pipes. Inspect the areas next to your pipelines for rust, corrosion, or moisture. They may point to an existing or impending leak. If you have any plumbing problems, you should fix them immediately to avoid more costly repairs.
6. Get a Licensed Plumber to Fix it
A professional plumber should be called whenever there is suspicion of a hidden plumbing leak. Leaks can be hard to spot independently, but a plumber can use specific equipment to find them. They may also offer guidance on how to fix the leak and avoid such problems.
In conclusion, finding a concealed plumbing leak might be difficult, but fixing the problem quickly is crucial to preventing further damage to your property. Investigate the cause of the problem and fix it as soon as possible if you observe any of the warning signals listed above, such as a sudden rise in your water bill, damp or musty smells, water stains or discoloration, low water pressure, or the sound of running water. The above advice can help you find and stop a hidden plumbing leak before it causes significant structural damage. If you are still trying to figure out what to do, it is best to seek the help of a licensed plumber.