3 Warning Signs Of A Plumbing Leak In Your Home
Posted on: 7 December 2021
A plumbing leak is a problem that can get out of hand fast. Homeowners who don't take action to address plumbing leaks may soon be faced with water stains, sagging walls and ceilings, mold infestations, and other problems that are impossible to ignore. However, the early warning signs of a plumbing leak aren't always so easy to spot. This guide will help to familiarize you with three warning signs of a plumbing leak in your home.
1. Your Water Bills Are Increasing
A slight variance in your water bill from month to month is to be expected; after all, most homes don't use exactly the same amount of water every month. This being said, you shouldn't see any drastic changes in your water bill unless there has also been a significant change in your home's water usage patterns.
A spike in your water bill is a good indicator that a major leak has occurred, and you should call a plumber immediately. On the other hand, a small leak could cause your water bill to rise gradually, with increases of no more than a dollar or two per month. The only way to catch this warning sign is to monitor your water bill diligently in the long term.
2. Your Faucets and Fixtures Have Low Water Pressure
Leaks in water supply lines can cause a unique issue: reduced water pressure. When a leak develops in the lines that deliver water to your faucets, showers, or plumbing appliances, these fixtures won't be able to deliver the water pressure they are rated for. A water supply line leak is most likely to blame if you only notice water pressure problems in a single faucet or fixture.
3. You Notice a Persistent Musty Odor
Even if there are no visible patches of mold in your home, mold may be lurking behind your walls, in your crawl spaces, and in other dark, damp parts of your home. Most homes have an extensive network of plumbing behind their walls and beneath their floors. When a leak occurs, water will flood these areas first before it breaches any occupied spaces.
As mold colonies grow, they continuously release spores into the air that settle on other surfaces and attempt to grow. This means homeowners often smell mold in their homes before they see it. If you can't pinpoint the source of a damp, musty odor in your home, you should schedule an inspection with a professional plumber to locate hidden mold and plumbing leaks.
Identifying plumbing leaks early on can save you a lot of money, time, and frustration. Call a local plumbing service immediately if you suspect a leak in your home, even when you aren't sure. Your plumber will be happy to perform an inspection so you can have peace of mind that your home is free of plumbing leaks!
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