How To Tell if You Have a Leak

How To Tell if You Have a Leak

Plumbing leaks can be very frustrating and are the last thing any homeowner would ever want to experience. Some of the leaks are easy to spot and repair. However, some occur in places beyond reach, like in the ceilings and walls.

Not detecting them is a bigger challenge because they often lead to greater losses. However, if you were looking for effective hacks on how to tell if a pipe is leaking, we’ve got a handful.

Rusty Pipes

Many old houses have galvanized drains and steel pipes. While such pipes can resist corrosion while new, they cannot withstand it for many years. As such, rust will develop at some point. And depending on the extent of the rust, leakage will begin.

Strange Noises

When your plumbing system is in excellent health, it works silently. However, when something is wrong, a rattling sound will begin to develop in certain parts. In some cases, it’s just loose-fitting that needs tightening however, if you rule out that cause, it’s probably a water leak.

Damage to the Floor

If you notice staining, warping, or a soft spot on your bathroom floor, there are two possible causes. First, your toilet must be leaking. But if that’s not the cause, it’s a pipe leaking beneath the bathroom floor.

Sagging Ceiling

There are two potential causes of a sagging ceiling in a house. One, your roof could be in a bad shape, thus allowing in water. Or, it’s simply a pipe in the ceiling that needs sealing. Note: the saggy ceiling is dangerous to your household. At any time, it can cave in. Therefore, fix the cause and the ceiling right away.

Mildew and Mold

When water leaks persist in a given section of the house, they can promote mildew and mold growth. Besides the unsightly scene, pores from these two can evoke respiratory allergies. And if you’re suffering from asthma, it’s even worse.

But that’s not all; there are instances when water leaks evoke the growth of black mold. This is the most dangerous mold since it’s very toxic. That said, mold can grow due to the following situations – leaking pipes, water condensation, and leaking washing machines.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure along your plumbing system can result from many things. Some causes include water leaks, faulty valves, and sediment build-up. When leakage occurs, the pressure drops because less water flows through the pipe. Thus, if the water pressure drops even when only one faucet is open, call a plumber.

Unusually Bigger Bills

A trend is established after paying your bills consistently for several months or years. That means you can tell within a given range what your water bill will be.

However, if you notice a drastic increase all of a sudden while water consumption is constant, that’s terrible news. It’s a sign that there might be a leakage in the plumbing system. Therefore, if you experience this, call a plumber and address the issue immediately.

If you follow these tips, you will definitely get a glimpse of how to tell if a pipe is leaking effectively and when to take action.

Final Take

Lastly, if you detect a leak, no matter how small it might be, never ignore it. Reach out to a plumbing team for help. In addition, you can schedule regular inspections to ensure every pipe on your property is leak-free. While you can detect some leaks, some are extremely tough to locate.

But with the assistance of Flamingo Plumbing & Backflow Services, no plumbing challenges are beyond our expertise. We will detect leaks, including those within the slab foundation. Contact us to get a quote.