Water leaks are one of the most frustrating and money-draining problems homeowners can face. Dripping faucets and toilet leaks are fairly easy to spot and fix — and fixing water leaks can save homeowners up to 10% on their water bills. But when a pipe is leaking within the walls, it can be more difficult to spot. So let’s take a look at a few key signs that could mean you have a water leak in your home.
Structural damage: One of the easiest ways to spot a water leak is if there’s structural damage in your home. This damage could consist of peeling paint, foundation cracks, curling flooring, or wet spots. All in all, if you notice any damage that is new and doesn’t have any other explanation, there’s a good chance it could be from a water leak. Water constantly seeping out of the pipes will start to damage your home and affect the structural components. So if you see any damages, make sure to get the pipes near the area checked right away for leaks.
Mold or mildew: Oftentimes, one of the results of water and structural damage is the growth of mold or mildew. If leaks aren’t found in a timely manner and damp spots are left for too long, homeowners could experience adverse side effects of mold or mildew growth. Mold usually gives off a musty odor and can also cause health problems. So if there are noticeable wet spots or musty odors, check for water damage and mold growth. Local plumbing services can help effectively seal any leaks, fix any faucets, and do any drain repair before leaks and pipe problems lead to mold issues.
Low water pressure: If you go to take a nice, hot shower in the morning and you find that the water pressure is much less than normal, that could be another sign of a leaking pipe. While low water pressure can be caused by many issues, a main water line leak can definitely cause low water pressure in all of the showers and faucets throughout the house. Generally, low water pressure is accompanied by other signs, like structural damage or mold growth, so keep an eye out for several signs. But either way, low water pressure calls for plumbing services.
While it may be tempting to ignore small leaks, even the smallest of water leaks can cause significant damage. So keep these warning signs in mind and if you think you have a water leak, call a plumber sooner rather than later.