As a homeowner, plumbing leaks are one of the most frustrating issues you can experience. Some leaks, such as a burst pipe or a faucet spewing water, are obvious. But others are hard to detect, such as a loose connection hidden under plumbing lines. These hidden leaks can severely damage your home’s structure over time. Therefore, the sooner you tell there is a leak in your plumbing system, the sooner you can get it solved. Look out for these nine signs of a leak in your plumbing so that you can seek the assistance of a plumber to fix the problem.
1. Unusual Rise in Water bills
A sudden spike in your monthly water bills is a cause for alarm. This can be a result of things such as a change in water consumption, new appliances, or a leaking toilet. But if there aren’t any significant changes in your household’s activities or occupancy and your water bill suddenly increases, you may have a leak in your plumbing. Leaks contribute to a spike in your bills and increase the repairs you will have to make on the affected areas. Therefore, once you notice a spike in your water bill, call our plumbing experts immediately to inspect your system.
2. Visible Mold or Mildew
Persistent water leak in your plumbing system increases the chances of mold or mildew. Leaks increase your house’s moisture levels, creating a suitable environment for mold growth. You can spot mold in black or green spots on your property’s walls or ceilings. Also, if there is a musty smell in the air of your house, it could be a result of mildew growth. Mold spreads faster and can cause various health issues such as runny nose, itchy throat, sneezing, watery eyes, and allergies. Once you spot mold or mildew within your home, it’s vital to call our team as soon as possible. A leak hidden in your ceiling, attic space, or somewhere within your interior walls can be the main cause of mold growth.
3. Foundation Cracks
Over time, some cracks may develop in your foundation due to wear and tear. Also, you may notice little hairline cracks on drywalls and ceilings as your house settles. However, if you notice a sudden crack that keeps widening, it may be a sign of a leaky pipe undermining your foundation. Ensure you seek the assistance of an experienced plumber to determine an immediate solution. The longer your foundation stays in this condition, it can slowly start to sink and cause more damage to your floors, doors, and windows.
4. Reduced Water Pressure
Have you noticed a significant drop in your home’s water pressure, such as when taking a shower? While you may put this off thinking it’s a blockage within the plumbing, it may be a pipe leak or rupture. A leak in your plumbing restricts full water flow. This leads to low water pressure in a part of your home or even the entire building.
5. Rusty Pipes
If you recently moved into an old house, the plumbing system most likely has galvanized steel pipes. After years of usage, galvanized steel usually develops rust which can easily lead to leaky pipes. Take time to check the exposed pipes in your house for signs of visible rust, flaking, discoloration, or stains. If you notice any of these elements on your pipes, it’s a clear sign of corrosion. Get a professional to replace the corroded or rusted pipes to avoid a complete failure. This will save you lots of money in the long run that you would have used in repairs.
6. Strange Sounds in Your Plumbing
You may hear a few bangs in your pipes, especially at night as the air settles in your system. However, if you hear strange noises, it signifies something wrong with your plumbing. Rattling or vibration sounds are common signs of a loose fitting in your system that eventually leads to leaks. A bubbling sound from your toilet or sink can signify minor leaks. Also, if you hear a hissing noise or water running in your pipes after turning off all the fixtures, seek the assistance of a plumbing expert to determine the cause of the sounds.
7. Damaged Flooring or Walls
Has your drywall started becoming soft or are cracks suddenly developing? You may have a water leak in your plumbing. Additionally, if there is a soft spot, stains, or warping on your bathroom floor, it might be a result of a hidden pipe leak beneath the floor. You may also notice the carpeted areas developing a musty smell or becoming moist in the basement. The caulking in the kitchen tiles might also start peeling or cracking.
8. Stained or Sagging ceilings
A yellowish-brown stain or a dark spot on your ceiling is another sign of a plumbing leak. If the pipes running through your attic get damaged and start leaking, water drips on the ceiling. The stains can also result from a leak in an upstairs bathroom if the spot is beneath it. With time, a water pool may form due to rapid leaks, leading to a sagging ceiling. Even if the water evaporates, there will be visible rings of stains or discoloration, which is aesthetically unappealing. In some worse cases, the ceiling can even collapse.
9. Damaged Paint or Wallpaper
When there is excess moisture within your walls, paint begins to bubble and droop. Also, wallpaper starts to peel off from the walls or becomes discolored. Both can result from a pipe leak making excess moisture seep into your wall’s cavity. Note that by the time you notice peeling paint or blistering wallpaper, there has been a leak in your plumbing for an extended period. Therefore, it’s important to call an experienced plumber immediately to prevent further structural damage.
Let a Trusted Plumbing Company Fix Your Leaky Pipes
You may overlook a leaky pipe, but it can lead to an unexplainable rise in your water bills. Even worse, water leaks can cause significant structural damage to your building, leading to costlier repairs. If you notice any of the signs discussed above, the plumbing experts at Polar Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning are ready to help.
Our plumbers are knowledgeable and highly skilled in dealing with any plumbing problem in your home. We also have year-round training sessions to streamline the plumbing skills of our professionals. Better yet, we are an ACCA-certified and BBB-accredited company, so you can trust our team to deliver the best results every time. Over the years, Polar Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning has become the go-to plumbing company for continuously offering top-rated services that surpass our customers’ expectations. We have also received many honors and awards for offering quality services.
Our plumbing services include drain cleaning, toilet repair, shower repair, leak detection, water filtration, camera inspections, pipe repair, water heater installation, and faucet repair. We also have a team of HVAC technicians available to provide heating and cooling installation, maintenance, and repair for furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps. Call us today to set up an appointment for your home in Newburgh or the surrounding area.
