One of the biggest fears that homeowners have is dealing with a leaky pipe. When there’s one in obvious sight, it can be a headache to deal with. However, when you have a leaky pipe that is out of sight, it can get costly real quick. Here are some different ways that you can identify if you have a leaky pipe that is hidden from plain view.
Ridiculously High Water Bills
We all can guestimate what our water bill will be each month or each quarter, depending on how often you’re billed. We all expect to see increases in the summer months as we spend more time watering flowers outdoors. However, if you’ve noticed a significant increase in your water bill lately, it’s time to assess your recent usage. If there are no foreseeable circumstances for why your bill went up, it’s likely that a leaky pipe may be to blame.
Mold and Mildew
Anyone who has lived in a home for very long knows that mold and mildew can develop on the shower walls if you don’t clean them often. However, you shouldn’t notice any mold or mildew in other areas of your home. If you do, it could be an indication that you have a leaky pipe behind that wall or above it. Most of the time, you can identify mold or mildew growth by a distinctive musty smell.
Stained Walls and Ceilings
Any residential plumbing expert can reveal that yellow staining on your walls and ceilings is a key indicator that you have a water leak somewhere. Some other changes that water can make to your walls are warping, bubbling, and sagging. These indications are quite obvious to the observant homeowner. If you notice that your wall doesn’t look like it used to, it’s time to investigate further. Don’t just keep ignoring it.
Your Meter Keeps Running
If you suspect that you have a leaky pipe in your home, the first thing that you can do is shut off all of the water to your home. You don’t want to have anyone running your appliances or toilets. Check out your water meter and see if it’s still running after you’ve stopped using all of your toilets and appliances. If the meter is still going, you have a leaking pipe somewhere in your home.
Leaky pipes can turn into big issues real fast. Water can easily destroy the walls and foundational components of your home. If you notice any of the signs above, you should take action immediately to limit the amount of water damage that your home receives from the leak.