Plumbing leaks: every homeowner has to deal with them, but that doesn’t make them any less of a pain. From your pipes to your toilet to your water heater, a leak can cause serious damage to your home and cost you a lot of money—especially if it is not dealt with in a timely manner. Keep reading for the top five signs you’re dealing with plumbing leaks, and for fast and efficient leak detection that’s designed to save you money, do not hesitate to call our licensed and experienced plumbers at All Pro Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical.
The Top 5 Signs You’re Dealing with a Plumbing Leak
- Pooling Water/Discolored Water: A puddle of water is pretty much never a good sign, especially when it comes to your plumbing system. If you find water pooling under your sink or on your floor, look around to see if you can spot a broken pipe. You should also watch out for pooling water at the base of your toilet or shower, as this could mean there’s a broken component in your appliances. Finally, if you spot large, moist patches in your yard, call a plumber to see if there is a break in a water or sewer line. You could also see water in the sidewalk or street if you’re dealing with a burst line, though if a sewer pipe breaks, you are more likely to see lush, green spots, as wastewater can act as a natural fertilizer for your yard. Pooling water that is brown and discolored is particularly disconcerting, as it may indicate dirt and other contaminants have infiltrated one of your water lines, so always call a plumber right away if your water looks funny.
- Whistling, Banging, Dripping, or Bubbling Sounds: The ideal sound to come from your plumbing equipment is… pretty much no sound at all. Gurgling or banging coming from your pipes may indicate that you’ve got a water leak on your hands. You may also notice a whistling or hissing sound coming from your lines, if there is a tear somewhere you can’t see. Bubbling can be a sign of a burst pipe, while dripping means there is a leak somewhere in one of your plumbing appliances. Bottom line: if there are unexplained sounds coming from your plumbing system, it is always best to have them checked out by a plumber, as even small leaks can lead to a lot of damage and raise your water bill over time.
- Poor Water Pressure: Low water pressure is not only a frustrating inconvenience when you are trying to take a good shower or wash your hands, it’s also a major sign something is wrong with your plumbing equipment. If you are consistently dealing with poor water pressure in your sinks or tub, it may be due to a leak in your water line. Another sign that typically accompanies poor water pressure is your washer taking a long time to fill. The root of the leak in this case could be a clog in one of your pipes, or a blockage in your water line, so do not hesitate to call a plumber if you can’t immediately find the source of the leak.
- Visible Water Damage/Mold on Ceilings & Walls: If you have spotted water rings on your ceiling, that probably means there is some kind of leak between the levels of your house. When serious water damage occurs, you may also notice discolored or even wet spots on your walls. This usually means there is a leak that has seeped into your drywall—a serious issue that should be taken care of ASAP. Just as serious are mold and mildew sightings, as this can indicate water from a leak has been accumulating for awhile. Mold can thrive in pretty much any environment where there is excessive moisture, especially if it is dank and dark. Not only does mold smell and look nasty, it can eat away at your structural foundation and present serious hazards for your health, too. So again, if you see mold, act to take care of it ASAP.
- A Sudden Rise in the Water Bill: For the most part, your water costs should remain stable from month to month. That’s why if you notice a sudden spike in your water bill, and your water usage habits have not changed significantly, it’s almost certain you’ve got a leak on your hands. Turn off your water main, and look at your meter to see if it still says you are using water. If it does, we can pretty much guarantee there’s a leak somewhere in your line.
To schedule leak repair or detection, call All Pro Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical now at (909) 500-8193, or click here to send us a message online.