Ever wondered how can you fix a water leak? A water leak implies considerable fault within your home's plumbing system. This can be a fault within the pipes within the walls or in other areas of the property.
If you detect signs of a water leak, you should contact your trusted plumbing service immediately. If the water leak is not fixed it can cause long-term damage. However, if you detect the water leak early on, your plumber can quickly fix it and solve the problem.
Tell Tale Signs of a Water Leakage
Let's look at clear-cut signs indicating a water leak within your structure.
A Higher Than Average Water Bill
Water bills usually remain consistent within households and range between the $10 and 15 dollars per month. Your water bill may vary if you are hosting many guests at a time or if you need to fill a swimming pool. However, if you find your water bill fluctuating noticeably without any apparent reason, you may have a water leak. There should not be a massive jump in your bill in-between months for no apparent reason.
To be sure, you can also tally your bills with previous ones you paid in the winter and summer months. The United States Agency for Environmental Protection has stated that a family of four should not use more than twelve thousand gallons of water per month. You may have a leak if your water usage is more than this.
Evident Wetness and Stains
You may have a water leak if you encounter wet stains or flooring. You may be walking on the carpet and come across a wet spot. This indicates a leak. Water leaks can be harmful because they can cause mildew and mould.
Wet spots are not just noticeable on floors but also on the walls and ceilings. They may also be evident if you have a leaking roof. It can also mean a leak if you notice a wet spot outside your house or in the garden. There may be a wet spot of grass you may step on. You will need a plumber to investigate these wt spots and detect the source of the leak.
When mould and mildew develop, they can produce a musty, unpleasant odour. These conditions usually develop in areas with low light exposure and high humidity. Mould can also spread throughout the house through heating and air conditioning vents and damaged possessions. This can also put your and your family's health at risk.
Therefore you should be mindful of leaks, wet spots and moulds. If you detect this anywhere around the house or on the lawn, contact your trusted plumber and get the matter sorted.
Water leakages can also leave behind stains. These stains are most apparent on white surfaces. The leaking water may dry up, but it can stain the area. White surfaces usually discolour and become yellow when they stain. If a musty odour accompanies stains, it implies the leak is quite inset and deep.
Peeling Paint
Peeling paint is also one of the many signs of a water leak. If you detect peeling paint within your property, it may indicate a recent water leak. Paint usually refuses to remain adhesive when it becomes damp; hence it peels. Then if it gets the time to dry, it may crack. Both damp and cracked paint implies a leak and should be tended to.
Even small water leaks, if not attended to, can become destructive over time. They can damage the foundation of the structure and, in a nasty case, cause it to collapse. Also, if you detect cracks within different sections of the walls, there is a chance the leakage is damaging the foundation. Consult your plumber immediately for advice on how to proceed.
Softened Wood
If your home's wooden fixtures are softened or are sagging, it can imply a water leak. Wet wood can become soft and spongy. This needs to be addressed immediately. Also, when the wood is in this state, it cannot be repaired and needs to be addressed immediately. Also, remove the wooden fixtures and look for leaks behind them.
Rusting Metal
Rusty metal is also one of the few signs of a water leak. If objects such as metal nails have gone rusty, it can imply the presence of dampness within the wall. Untreated water leaks within the wall can be a cause of this.
If the pipes within the walls are rusting, it can also imply water leaks. That particular area within the wall should be investigated, and an experienced plumber should address the problem.
A Sagging Sealing
If there is a sagging ceiling between two floors, this is a sure-shot sign of a water leak. This is also alarming as it puts the home's inhabitants in danger if the ceiling collapses. A sagging ceiling also implies a considerable water leak that has developed over some time. This can cause significant damage to the ceiling and the entire structure.
Low Water Pressure
If the water pressure in the faucet is lower than usual, it can mean a water leak. If the toilet is also taking longer than usual to fill and the water in the shower is annoyingly low, keep a look out for leaks. If there is a cracked pipe and water is escaping, it will excrete with lesser force from the taps. Low water pressure can also mean clogged pipes, but keep leaks in mind.
Final Thoughts
The above-discussed pointers are some of the many signs of a water leak. A water leak within your property should be tended to straight away to avoid long-term damage and high ensuing costs. Our plumbers at Mesa Plumbing Company are experienced professionals that can help solve your problem swiftly and effectively!