The hidden plumbing leak can create a Catch-22: you have to know to look for hidden leaks, but how can you know to look for them if they’re hidden? The secret is vigilance combined with occasional preventive plumbing service in Frederick, MD.
The sad truth is that many homes in the US suffer from hidden leaks that waste a combined billions of gallons of water each year. The older your home, the more likely you have plumbing leaks disguised somewhere in the walls, slowly letting water escape, raising your bills and causing gradual water damage. We recommend you pay close attention to any of these signs of hidden leaks as well as schedule routine leak detection with professionals every few years.
High water usage
Your utility bills are a good indicator of water leaks. Unless you have dramatic changes in your household water usage (such as a growing family), your usage should remain within familiar patterns over the years. If you see the gallons per month start to make a large increase you can’t account for, it’s a major warning sign of a leak somewhere.
Unusual water heater behavior
The majority of plumbing leaks occur in the hot water lines. This loss of hot water can cause the water heater to behave strangely, such as turning on too often and running up your heating bills.
Spots of discoloration on the walls or ceiling
Even the slowest drip of water from pinhole leaks can start to eat away at wall and ceiling materials: mildew growth is extremely harmful to drywall. If you see spots of brownish discoloration on the walls or especially the ceiling below a bathroom, you almost certainly have a leak—and one that’s already caused damage. Call for leak detection and repair right away.
Mold and mildew growth
If you notice mold and mildew starting to grow in corners of the house where there isn’t normally any water present, it can mean that water is accumulating in the building materials. Don’t simply try to clean away this odd appearance of mold or mildew—have professionals find out where the water is coming from.
Increased indoor humidity
Has your home started to feel damp and muggy when this wasn’t a problem before? This can sometimes indicate trouble with the AC, but it’s also potentially a warning of hidden leaks. (Good news, our team handles both fixing leaks and air conditioning!)
Sound of running water
Sometimes your ear can pick up the noise of leaking water. If you can detect the sound of running water when no plumbing appliance is on, and you can’t locate the source, you may have hidden leaks.
Schedule leak detection
If you haven’t noticed any signs of hidden plumbing leaks, we still recommend you have professional leak detection done as a preventive and maintenance measure every few years. Newer homes with copper piping should have detection done every five years; older homes every three years. If you’ve never had leak detection done for an older house, we advise you to schedule it as soon as possible.
At Tuckers Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing, we pledge to exceed expectations at every turn! Contact us today to schedule leak detection services and leak repairs.