Hidden pipe leaks in homes can account for a staggering loss of water each year. These leaks can also cause damage to a home. Of course, because these are hidden leaks, they aren’t easy for homeowners to notice right away, which is why they can go on for months or even years.
We want you to have all of your hidden plumbing leaks fixed, and it starts with noticing the warning signs of these leaks. Below, we’re going to look at the most common signs you’ve got a “leaky house” and need our professionals to fix the leaks.
The Major Signs of Hidden Leaks
Our plumbers use special tools to find the precise location of hidden leaks. But you can discover the existence of these leaks if you know the signs to look out for:
- Unusually high water use for your house. Check over your history of water bills and look at the gallons used per month. Has this amount risen substantially without a noticeable reason (such as more people living in the house)? This often means water is secretly going to waste.
- Odd behavior from the water heater. The majority of hidden leaks occur in the hot water lines, which are more likely to shift around and suffer from damage. Leaks in the hot water line will cause the water heater to turn on at times that it otherwise wouldn’t. If your water heater seems to be starting too often, it might be a leak problem. (We also recommend having the water heater checked.)
- Discoloration on walls and ceilings. Spots of brownish-red discoloration appearing on the drywall of the ceiling or walls indicates water damage is occurring, probably from a leak. If you see this discoloration on the ceiling beneath a bathroom, call for plumbers right away—there’s almost certainly a leak in the bathroom plumbing.
- Warm patches on the floor: This is another effect of hot water lines leaking. The water is collecting in the subfloor and spreading heat upwards.
- Rise in humidity. Does your home feel more humid than normal? This can be another sign of extensive hidden leaks.
- Growth of mold and mildew. This is related to higher humidity. Dampness from water leaks can lead to mold and mildew growing in places like corners or at the point where the wall meets the ceiling.
- Water pressure drops. Individual taps may start to experience low water pressure due to leaks.
The Best Test for Hidden Leaks
You noticed some of the signs above and you think you may have hidden leaks. There’s an easy test you can perform that will help you know if it’s time to call us for plumbing services in Rochester, NY to locate and fix those leaks.
Locate the water meter for your house, then write down its current reading. Don’t use any water in your house for the next hour. Then recheck the meter. If the number has gone up, then you probably have a leak somewhere. You can trust our plumbers to find those leaks and find the best ways to fix them.
Call Your One-stop Shop for HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical serving the Greater Rochester Area: Triple O Heating, Cooling, Electrical & Plumbing.