Identifying hidden leaks in your home is not easy. However, it is crucial to be able to locate them because if left untreated, water leaks can cost you a ton in repairs by severely damaging your walls and floor. You will do well to hire a knowledgeable and an experienced plumber to fix leaking pipes/plumbing fixtures before things take a turn for the worse.
Wondering how you can identify signs of a water leak? Here are a few signs to watch out for.
1. Damaged Paint/Wallpaper
Your walls can give you the first sign of a possible water leak problem in your home. Watch out for paint chipping-off of your walls. When water and moisture get trapped between the wall and the wallpaper/paint, they eradicate the bond and they will start to peel and fall off.
2. Damaged Walls
A wall that is deformed or stained for no apparent reason may point to a plumbing leak. When drywall comes in contact with water or moisture, it becomes soft, starts to bubble and eventually crumbles. This is a major sign of a leak in your walls.
3. Damaged Floors
If you find the floor in your home, such as your bathroom, cracking or staining for no good reason, you could be dealing with a leak issue. The bathroom tiles may also start to loosen due to the moisture underneath it. The culprit could be a pipe that has burst underneath your floor.
4. Mold/Mildew
One of the most telling signs of a hidden water leak is the appearance of mold or mildew on your wall or floors. Mold tends to flourish in moist areas, and a leaking pipe located behind a wall or underneath the floor provides the perfect atmosphere for it to flourish and cause damage.
Mold/mildew resulting from a leaking pipe can pose a serious health risk to you and your family, which is why it is important to get it detected and fixed as early as possible.
5. Bad Smell of Stale Water
When a pipe-leak goes unnoticed for a long period of time, water starts to accumulate. As it becomes stale it starts to stink. If you clean your home regularly but still notice a musty or damp smell, then you probably have a leak on your hands. Sometimes, the water may not dry up, which can only worsen the problem by causing mold or mildew.
To avoid the above situations, it is best to have your home’s plumbing evaluated by a licensed expert from time to time. Doing so will not only allow you to steer clear of plumbing issues, but it will also ensure that whatever small problems that may be lurking around the corner are taken care of sooner than later. If you live in the High Desert cities, including Hesperia, Victorville, Apple Valley, Oak Hills, Adelanto, and Phelan, give Thompson Family Plumbing and Drain a call if you notice any of the above!