9 Sure Fire Signs of a Plumbing Leak

signs of plumbing leaks

In this article you will learn about different signs of a plumbing leak. As a responsible homeowner you have a lot of responsibilities from maintaining the lawn, making sure your home is kept clean, fixing or replacing broken appliances, and fixing plumbing relates issues, such as plumbing leaks, when they arise. In this post you will discover the top 9 sure fire signs of a pluming leak, how bad it truly is, and how to remedy this situation should ever you have to experience it.

plumbing leak causes high water bill

High Water Bill:

Ranked high as one of the most important signs of a plumbing leak, an expensive water bill that can’t be easily explained is the number one indicators of a leaky faucet or pipe. Keep in mind that depending on the severity of the leak you may or may not notice a spike in cost. For instance, if your bathroom faucet has an average leak of one drop per second, that equates to roughly an additional 5 gallons per month. The average 4 bedroom house with 4 inhabitants will use around 6-7 thousand gallons per month rendering that 5 gallons non-substantial.

plumbing leak causes meter to run

A Running Meter:

A few great signs of a plumbing leak is to monitor the water meter with all water sources shut off. This is best accomplished by first turning off all sinks, sprinklers, garden hoses and water appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines. After everything is turned off simply monitor the water meter. If it is still spinning that usually points to a water leak from either a pipe, water appliance, fixture in the bathroom or kitchen. To check the individual fixtures and appliances simply turn the valves off at each and monitor the meter.

Mold and Mildew:

Sometimes leaky pipes can be stealthy and it’s only until their surroundings start to absorb the moisture and mold or mildew starts to grow, that they become realized. Some powerful signs of a plumbing leak within the walls of your house is to notice mold that grows in areas that appear clean to the eye.

The most common place for mold to grow is in the bathroom. If you find that you keep cleaning mold away every so often then you most likely have a mold problem caused by a leaky pipe within the walls. Over time a leaky pipe will causes mold to grow inside the walls. The moisture from the steam of showers is a perfect attractant and the spores of the close by mold will actually grow on these wet surfaces.

rusty pipe from plumbing leak

Rusty Pipes or Appliances:

If you notice rust on any appliances or even water pipes themselves, this is usually due to standing water or the humidity from a nearby water leak. Normally over time rust will appear on these surfaces especially in non-heated garages due to the humid environment. Make sure to check all around these appliances from time to time for any rust spots.

musty odor caused my plumbing leak

Musty Odor:

Mold & mildew will cause rather very unpleasant odors that have a “musty” smell. Sometimes this smell alone with no visuals of mold is a good enough indication of mold present. The musty odor is caused by a microbial volatile organic compound that is released from mold as it grows. If you recently cleaned a room that smelled musty and the smell comes back quickly then you can bet on mold being present somewhere either in the walls or ceiling, or foundation.

stained wall from a plumbing leak

Stained and Damaged Ceilings, Walls and Floors:

The number one indication of mold, which is the result of standing water form a leaky pipe, is visually seeing it somewhere inside or outside the home. Mold can grow on virtually any surface including ceilings, walls, floors, rubs, shower curtains, even the exterior siding or bricks of the house. Every month or so it is beneficial to perform a visual inspection of the exterior of the home as well as every room in the house, attic included. If you spot mold the good news is that the leak is usually close by making finding the leaky culprit a somewhat simple task.

low water pressure from plumbing leak

Low Water Pressure:

A moderate leak within the plumbing system can sometimes be felt by a lack of water pressure. This unexplained drop in pressure will usually be noticed when using a hose, shower or sink faucet. Ruptured or even clogged pipes will cause this symptom and are definitive signs of a plumbing leak.

leaky appliance from plumbing leak

Wet Spots:

A wet area around toilets, sinks, tubs, hot water heaters, water softeners, dishwashers, and washing machines can be a major tell tale of a plumbing leak that should be addressed. A sign such as this could be as simple as a loose fitting or as detrimental as a complete failure or burst pipe in the near future.

foundational crack caused by water leak

Foundation Cracks:

Leaking water that seeps into the foundation of a home can be very destructive and costly. Foundational damage is often a very serious as it can compromise the structural integrity of the house. It is for this reason that both gutters and exterior pipes should be periodically checked for leaks as well as the foundation it’s self. If any cracks are noticed it is best to call a professional plumber immediately.

How Much Can a Leaky Pipe Cost You:

How Much Can a Leaky Pipe Cost You:

The true cost of a water leaking from pipe or appliance in a home can range from a few dollar a month to a few hundreds. It all depends on the size and severity of the leak. For instance a simple, easily repairable pipe leak could cause foundational damage that can cost thousands upon thousands to fix.

9 Sure Fire Signs of a Plumbing Leak

Wrapping up:

We hope you enjoyed this resource on plumbing leaks and that you have gained some helpful knowledge to help you find faulty areas and how to address them. If you are experiencing a plumbing leak or smell a musty odor then consider having a professional come out and help you who utilizes the highest quality essential plumbing tools. Your 1 Plumber FL is South Florida’s #1 plumbing company and is ready to assist you!

Your 1 Plumber FL is a 5-star rated plumber in Delray beach.

561-403-1500

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