When you consider the most common problems faced by homeowners, plumbing leaks definitely rank near the top. Pipes are designed to be long-lasting. However, nothing lasts forever, and age and pressure eventually take their toll—so you never know when a leak might spring up.
Our professional plumbing services in Lacey, WA are all you need to get the problem corrected in most cases. Yu should always let someone with appropriate licensing and experience handle your plumbing issues. However, a professional plumber can’t fix the problem unless you know there’s a problem to be dealt with in the first place.
The Danger of Plumbing Leaks
The plumbing system that snakes its way through your home is understandably large and extensive. Most of your plumbing pipes are hidden within crawlspaces or beneath your floorboards. It’s one thing to notice an obvious drip coming from under the sink or another “in plain sight” location, but many leaks take place out of sight, and it could be weeks or even months before you notice them.
This presents a few potential issues. First off, dripping or running water can cause a huge amount of damage to the surrounding components in your home—drywall, flooring, and electrical wiring. And since it’s hidden, the damage can become quite severe before a leak even makes itself known. Furthermore, you’ll still be paying for the water lost to a leak, causing higher-than-normal monthly water bills.
Spot the Signs of a Hidden Plumbing Leak
As you’ve probably guessed, you can save yourself a good deal of money and concern by spotting the signs of a hidden plumbing leak sooner rather than later. Some things you can watch out for include the following:
- Strange Sounds: This can include pretty much anything out of the ordinary coming from your plumbing, and will typically occur in a location of your home you wouldn’t expect to hear noise coming from! Groans, hums, and shutters are not typically unusual, but you should especially look out for sounds of running or dripping water when no taps are on in your home.
- Soft Spots: We’re talking about your drywall and flooring here—moisture from leaking pipes can damage nearby drywall, or wood flooring and carpet.
- Decreased Water Pressure: A plumbing leak can reduce the flow of water from affected outlets, causing the water to emerge in a trickle.
- Mold and Mildew Growth: Even when a plumbing leak doesn’t cause severe damage to your property, it can still encourage the growth of mold and mildew. You might notice a musty, moldy smell which will alert you to the problem if you can’t see the mold.
- Discoloration: If you notice discolored paint or flooring, don’t dismiss it as fading from the sun—it could very well be due to a leak. You should also keep a lookout for cracks or bubbling in paint.
- Cracked Cement: In cases where the leaky pipe runs under a cement porch, you may see cracks developing along the surface.
The minute you notice any of these above-mentioned signs, you should turn off the water to the affected area of the plumbing, or use the main shut-off valve for your home if you’re unsure how to turn off the water for individual appliances or areas. Next, call in our trained plumbers to get the situation remedied!
For expert plumbing services, contact Brooks Plumbing Co. today!
