“I never saw it coming!”
That’s what many homeowners say when their busy lives are disrupted by plumbing leaks. Chances are high that most never smelled it coming, either. That’s because many leaks are silent and odorless until they become severe enough to cause visible damage to your property.
You don’t want to wait for a waterfall to pour out from under your kitchen sink or a floor to get soggy and cave in. Now is the time to check your home for seven common signs of an indoor leak. Keep these signs of a leak in mind to increase your chances of quickly catching any leaks that may break out in the future.
1. Damp Floors, Puddles, Water Damage
Let’s start with the most obvious sign that you have a leak. If you notice small puddles of water next to a sink, toilet, or other plumbing fixture, you may have a leak. The same goes for damp floors and any visible signs of water damage to flooring.
Unfortunately, many leaks are more subtle, so you’ll need to remember six more possible signs.
2. Reduced Water Pressure
The water used to burst out of your faucets, ready to take on the next shower or round of dishes. These days, it rolls out slowly and softly with far less force. That reduced water pressure can occur as a result of water leaking somewhere in the pipes. The leak is releasing pressure that is needed to keep that fast release from the faucet.
3. Soaring Water Bills
What are your water bills like these days? If you have a leak, chances are that you see a noticeable increase in the amount due. You know if your water usage has changed enough to justify that increase. If not, then it’s time to have your home checked for a leak.
4. Running Water Sounds
How often do you sit in your home in complete silence? If that doesn’t happen often, you may want to take the occasional silent walk through every room. What are you listening for? The sound of running water!
When the faucets are all tightly twisted to their “off” position, you should not hear dripping or running water anywhere. If you hear it but can’t detect the source, a leak is likely.
5. Unexplained Water Meter Activity
This one is similar to walking around your home listening for running water. If you look at your meter when no water is knowingly running in your home, you should detect no activity. If you do see activity, then a leak is the likely cause.
6. Mold or Mildew Sightings
Mold and mildew grow in moist, dark conditions. Leaks often create the perfect growth environments. By the time you see it growing in your home, you may have a long-term leak that has already caused significant damage to your property.
7. Musty Odor
If you walk into a room or zone of your home and smell something musty, it’s time to check for leaks. That smell is associated with water damage, mold, and mildew. Fast action is required.
You Have a Leak – Now What?
If you recognize one or more of those signs of a plumbing leak, schedule an immediate appointment with a local technician you trust. Plumbing leaks can cause substantial damage to your home and may even create the perfect conditions for the growth of mold or mildew. The faster our professionals respond to your leak, the less likely you are to face significant property damage.
For professional leak detection in Olympia, WA, contact Brooks Plumbing Co. today!
