Did you know that seventy-five percent of insurance losses come from water leaks? Despite how prevalent water leaks are, many people don’t realize how easy it is to prevent them from occurring. Sometimes, all that’s required is checking your pipes to make sure that they are not leaking. If you suspect that you have a pipe leak in your Wetumpka, Alabama home, it’s important to take action quickly by hiring a pipe leak detection service.
To help you figure out how to know when it’s time to do this, we have put together a guide. Keep reading if you’re interested in finding out more.
1. Cracks in Your Walls
Water leaks from pipes can cause the soil around the foundation of your home to shift and settle, which in turn can cause the walls to crack.
Also, if the leak is inside the walls, the water can cause the drywall to bulge or sag, creating visible cracks. When looking for cracks in your walls, pay attention to both the interior and exterior of your home.
Look for hairline cracks, which may indicate a small leak, as well as larger cracks. It’s also a good idea to look for patterns, such as cracks that seem to be following a specific path.
It’s sometimes hard to say for certain whether cracks are signs of leaky pipes or something else.
This is why it’s always best to call a professional pipe leak detection company to inspect and confirm the source of the cracks and recommend the best course of action for repair.
2. Look at Your Water Meter
Checking your water meter is an effective way to determine if you have a pipe leak. It will show you if your household is using too much water. This can help you identify leaks that you may not be able to see or hear.
To check your water meter, make sure all water-using appliances and faucets are turned off. Then, take a reading from the water meter.
Wait for 10-15 minutes without using any water, then take another reading. If the meter has moved during that time, it’s likely that you have a leak.
You can also use your water meter by checking the meter readings over a longer period of time, such as a week or a month.
If the readings are consistently high, it may be an indication that you are using more water than normal.
3. Mildew and Mold
Mold and mildew can be a sign that you might have leaking pipes because excess moisture from the leak might create the conditions for these types of fungi to grow.
This can be caused by pipes that are leaking inside your walls, under your flooring, or in your attic.
If you believe that you have a pipe leak and are experiencing mold or mildew growth, make sure to address the problem as soon as possible. By doing this, you will prevent further damage to your property.
The best course of action is to call a professional pipe leak repair service in Wetumpka, AL. They will quickly locate and repair the leak.
4. Stains and Damaged Property
If you were trying to diagnose leaking pipes, there were several types of stains that you should look for.
First, brown or yellow stains on your walls or ceilings might indicate that the water has been leaking for a long period of time. Also, don’t forget to look for water stains around your toilets, sinks, and other appliances. And take time to look for rust stains.
5. Hearing the Sound of Running Water
If you hear the sound of running water when all of your faucets and appliances are turned off, it’s likely that you have a pipe leak.
This can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as corrosion, wear, and tear, or shifting in the soil around your home.
If you’re wondering, “why are my pipes leaking?” keep in mind that pipe leaks will cause water to escape and flow onto your walls, creating a sound similar to running water.
The sound of running water can also be caused by a problem with the valve in the main water supply line. Don’t hesitate to take action if you hear running water when your faucets are turned off.
If you wait to call a plumber, the water leak might cause irreparable damage to your belongings and to your home.
6. Musty Smells
If there are musty smells in your home, it won’t do any good to light a scented candle to overpower the smell. You will instead need to address the problem itself.
Musty smells can come from the water that’s been sitting in an area for an extended period of time, or they can come from the growth of mold and mildew.
Mold spores will start to grow within twenty-four hours. But you might not be able to see them until two weeks after they’ve taken hold in your home.
If you take action quickly, it’s possible that it won’t be necessary to make expensive repairs.
Hire a Pipe Leak Detection Company
If you are concerned that your pipes are leaking, it is important to know what the warning signs are.
You should consider getting a hold of a pipe leak detection company if you notice that your water bill is going up, there are cracks in your walls, or your walls and ceiling have mildew and mold.
Are you ready to hire a pipe leak detection company in Wetumpka, AL? If so, keep in mind that we are here to help you. Don’t hesitate to get started by contacting us today!
