How to Discover if a Home Has a Plumbing Leak
While most issues can be spotted by looking for a loose water heater pipe or a leaking faucet, other issues may hide beneath the floor or in the home’s foundation.
One of the most challenging tasks in home maintenance is identifying and fixing the various components of the plumbing system. Because pipes lie hidden inside the walls, it is easy to forget about them. Homeowners may not realize that they are deteriorating until it’s too late.
One of the most common plumbing issues is a leaking pipe. The Alliance for Water Efficiency says that a home could lose up to 20,000 gallons of water a year due to this problem. While most issues can be spotted by looking for a loose water heater pipe or a leaking faucet, other issues may hide beneath the floor or in the home’s foundation. Here’s how to discover if there are leaking lines:
Water spots
One of the most common signs of a water leak is the appearance of water spots. These spots will be visible on wall surfaces. Drywall often turns brown or yellow when wet, indicating the water is seeping into that area. An experienced plumber should be called in immediately after a water spot becomes visible. Early repairs prevent extensive damage.
Low water pressure
This is an early warning sign that something may be wrong with the plumbing system. Faulty valves or clogs in the pipe are often the reason for a drop in water pressure. A comprehensive evaluation of the entire system prevents these leaks from worsening.
Dripping water sound
A leaking pipe can make itself known through the dripping sound it produces. Run the shower and listen for nearby hissing or whistling. This could be where the leak is located.
Check under the sink
The most common source of internal leaks is the plumbing trap, a U-shaped bend in the pipe. If there is warped wood around the trap, it’s time to call in a plumber. Doing so can help prevent mold from growing and potentially costing thousands of dollars in damages.
Unpleasant odors
The sewer pipes that carry wastewater out of the house can also deteriorate. They can break inside the home or into the area surrounding the house. If there’s an unpleasant odor after flushing the toilet, it’s best to contact a plumber. Broken sewer lines need immediate attention to prevent the spread of disease.
High water bills
A leaking pipe means significantly more wasted water. A sharp hike in the water bill often implies a leak in the plumbing system. Call a trained technician to carry out an inspection. Sealing the break will solve the problem.
Reach out to a professional
Water leaks can be hard to detect. If there are any suspected problems with the plumbing system, it’s essential to reach out to an experienced plumber as soon as possible. Immediate action will prevent more damage from occurring.
Solace Plumbing is a licensed commercial and residential plumber with 26 years of experience in Gilbert, Az. We provide the East Valley with a wide range of plumbing services, including 24-hour emergency service. Some of our specialties include plumbing installation and repair, remodeling, natural gas and propane piping, slab leak detection, and full-service repiping. Commercial work includes restaurants, school districts, and tenant improvements. Call Solace Plumbing at 480-630-0224.
