signs of a leak

Watch Out for These Signs Of A Leak In Your Plumbing!

Leaks in your plumbing can be very damaging to your home, so it’s vital to know the signs of a leak. It’s important to find the leak and fix it as soon as possible. If not taken care of, it can easily lead to major water damage. 

Sound of running water

Running water is one of the most obvious signs of a leak in your plumbing. Hearing running water when you have everything turned off usually means there is water flowing out of your pipes somewhere. The first thing you should do when you hear running water is to find where it’s coming from. Make sure to turn your water off once you’ve found the problem to prevent water damage.

leaking pipe - signs of water damage in walls

Mildew and mold

No one wants to deal with mold in their home. Mold and mildew thrive in damp and dark environments. Having standing water hiding somewhere in your house could quickly result in mold. Finding mold may not automatically mean there’s a leak, but finding the cause is important either way.

Water bill increases

Usually water bills are fairly inexpensive, but what if it randomly skyrockets? If your water bill is increasing when you’ve been using it consistently, there could be a leak somewhere in your home. That extra water has to be coming from somewhere. Even if it’s a small change in your bill, it could mean the very beginning of a leak.

Low water pressure

Low water pressure may not be the worst problem you could have with your plumbing, but it’s still an issue. This is one of the common signs of a leak. It can be caused by many other factors. A few signs of low water pressure are faulty valves, sediment buildup, and water leaks. No matter what the issue is, low water pressure is a way to tell if there’s a problem.

low water pressure

Bad odor

Bad odors aren’t just bad because they’re unpleasant, but they often mean something is wrong with your plumbing. One of the top reasons you can smell sewage is a leak. It’s not only important to take care of this because of the smell, but because of the potential damage it could cause.

Stained or damaged ceilings and floors

Stains in your ceilings or floors is one of the biggest signs of a leak. Not only does this mean you have a leak in your pipes, but you probably also have water damage that’s hidden behind the stain. If you notice the stain getting bigger, there is a current problem that hasn’t yet been solved.

Peeling paint or wallpaper

Once your walls obtain enough moisture, the paint and wallpaper will start to become damaged. This could be due to a leak in your plumbing or a leak in your roof. If there’s enough moisture to create bubbles in the paint, it’s enough to raise serious suspicions over.

signs of a leak - paint peeling

Slow drain

A slow drain is usually a sign of a blockage. Many blockages can be handled very easily. Unfortunately, not all of them can. When blockages get bad enough they can cause damage to your pipes and possibly lead to a leak. 

Greener grass

Green patches in your yard probably sound like a good thing. This is one of the more confusing signs of a leak. While it’s good to have a healthy yard, it can be a bad sign if the growth is inconsistent. Patches of grass that are growing substantially better than the rest can mean there is extra water underneath the ground. While there could be other possible reasons for this, it’s likely a leak in your pipes underground.

Rusty Pipes

Does your home have galvanized pipes? If you have an older home, it’s very likely. Galvanized steel will develop rust and corrosion over time. This will eventually lead to a leak in your plumbing system. It’s important to check the quality of your pipes, especially if you have an older home.

Final Thoughts

There are many possible signs of a leak in your plumbing system. While not all of them are a sure sign there is a leak, they are all important things to look out for. Always make sure to check your plumbing whenever you spot an issue or concern. When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to call a professional for help!

sign of a leak in plumbing infographic

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you’ve found or suspect a leak. 1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.

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