A water leak isn’t just a plumbing issue. It’s an issue that can affect the entire rest of your home. Should a water leak persist over long periods, it could cause thousands of dollars worth of damage, and even put you out of your home while that damage is being repaired.
Therefore, it’s necessary to know how to spot a water leak early in its existence. This way, you can take action before any substantial damage is done.
That’s where this article comes in. Below, we’re going to discuss the most common signs of a water leak in Montgomery, AL, thereby helping you to combat the problem before the problem combats you. Let’s go!
1. Your Water Bill Is More Expensive Than It Usually Is
One sign that you have a water leak is that your water bill is more expensive than it usually is. Of course, if you deliberately used much more water this month, this isn’t a cause for concern. But if you didn’t, and your bill is substantially higher, there’s almost certainly a leak present.
This stands to reason, as a leak would result in water constantly pouring out of your plumbing system. Every bit of water that pours out will, of course, be charged against you.
So, the second a water bill looks concerning to you, bring a plumber in for an inspection. They’ll use tools to locate leaks and then make all necessary repairs.
2. There Are Water Stains on Your Walls or Ceilings
One of the more noticeable signs that you have a water leak is that there are water stains on your walls or ceilings. These generally appear in a yellowish-brown color and are usually soft and spongy to the touch.
The darker the shade of the stain, the worse the leak will be. Therefore, it’s important to keep an eye out for these in the early stages of their existence. The second that any discoloration presents itself, you should bring a plumber in for an inspection.
3. Your Water Pressure Has Gone Down
Another sign that you might have a water leak is that your water pressure has gone down. This can be caused by a number of factors; for instance, even a slightly shut-off valve can result in low water pressure. But a leak is certainly a common culprit and so needs to be considered fully.
Regardless, this is a problem that needs fixing. Bring a plumber to your home and have them inspect your plumbing system. They’ll identify the source of the pressure reduction and will then take action to combat it.
4. Mold Is Growing in Your Home
Mold tends to grow where the water goes. Therefore, if there’s mold growing in your home, there’s plenty of reason to believe that there’s water present somewhere.
This water, of course, could come from a number of sources. However, if it’s not blatantly obvious, there’s a decent chance that it’s coming from a leak in the wall.
First, bring a plumber in to inspect the premises. If a leak is present, they’ll fix it. If the mold issue is substantial, you might need to bring a mold restoragetion company in to eradicate the mold in its entirety.
5. Your Flooring Is Deteriorating Prematurely
Another sign that you might have a water leak is that your flooring is deteriorating prematurely. If this is the case, it could be because a water pipe under your floor has burst. This would cause the floor to become damaged long before its time.
If the flooring is made of, say, vinyl, it would probably appear warped. If it’s carpet flooring, it might become stained and will likely emit a musty odor as well. Tile flooring might incur cracks.
In any of these cases, you’ll need to bring a plumber in for a closer look. They’ll determine whether a leak is present, and will then take all necessary actions in order to counteract it.
6. Your Plumbing System Is Making Strange Noises
When a plumbing system is working correctly, it won’t make much noise at all. At worst, you’ll hear water surging through it for a few seconds at a time. If you’re hearing obvious noises on a regular basis, it’s likely because there’s something amiss.
For instance, you might hear a rattling sound from inside one of your walls. This could indicate a loose or burst pipe, one that’s allowing water to leak into your home. If that is, indeed, the case, you’ll need to patch it up before it does substantial damage.
7. The Paint on Your Walls Is Peeling
The last of our plumbing tips is to look for peeling paint on your walls. Paint peels on a wall when that wall is incurring moisture damage. In most cases, that moisture comes from a plumbing-related water leak.
Of course, this could also be caused by a lack of siding coverage. However, if that isn’t the case, then a leak is almost certainly present.
Have a plumber inspect your home for burst or loosened pipes. If they locate any, they’ll repair or replace them, ensuring that water can no longer leak into your home.
Dealing With a Water Leak in Montgomery, AL?
Are you dealing with a water leak? Need plumbing services in Montgomery, AL? If so, look no further than Clark Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.
We’ve repaired countless water leaks throughout the Montgomery area, including kitchen leaks, bathroom leaks, and more. Regardless of the level of plumbing maintenance you require, we have you covered.
Contact us today to discuss your plumbing needs!
