Signs of an Undetected Leak in Your Home

19 May 2016
 Categories: Construction & Contractors, Blog

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When it comes to leaks in the house, some homeowners will only rely on seeing a leaky faucet or a dripping pipe for them to know they have a problem. However, these are not the only telltale signs to look out for when it comes to leaks in the home. Most leaks tend to go undetected because homeowners do not know what signs to look for that would indicate there is a larger problem at hand. These leaks will typically stem from plumbing that is out of sight such as behind walls, underneath floors or even outside. The following are some of the signs that would indicate an undetected leak that would need immediate attention from a plumber.

An increase in your water bills

One of the first telltale signs to look for when it comes to undetected leaks is an unexplained increase in your water bills. Granted, water bills may fluctuate from one month to the next, but these changes in price are not quite significant. If you notice though that your water bill is steadily rising yet the frequency at which you use water around the home has not changed, chances are there is water being drained somewhere along your piping. Calling a plumber post-haste would ensure the problem is diagnosed and remedied early before you waste more money on high utility bills.

A musty smell permeating your home

When moisture begins collecting in one area, it becomes a prime breeding ground for various forms of fungi such as mould and mildew. In some instances, you may not be able to see any visible signs of water damage in your home. However, you may find that your residence starts to smell stuffy in some areas. In these instances, chances are there is a leak that has not yet began to exhibit damage on your property. A qualified plumber would be able to locate the source of the moisture and address it before your home becomes a respiratory hazard for all inhabitants.

Development of damp spots on walls, floors and ceilings

If you notice some parts of your home are showing signs of discolouration yet you cannot pinpoint the cause of this, chances are it is the onset of water damage. These damp spots tend to appear on walls, but you can also find them on ceilings as well as floors. Damp spots should not be ignored as they are an indication of a leak within the walls of your home. The leak needs to be identified as it could be caused either by a crack in your plumbing or a burst pipe. Left unchecked, the structural integrity of the entire residence could be compromised due to excessive water damage. 

For help catching water leaks, contact a company like A and C Plumbing​.