Water seepage and mold damage will end up making you dig deep into your pockets. They not only cost high but also incur extra utility costs for you. You can find them early with leak detection, avoid expensive repairs later, and be a prudent homeowner or renter. Here are some of the common signs that tell you there is a hidden leak, how to spot it, and the best ways to have them fixed.
Hidden Leak Signs
At other times, sometimes, there isn’t any early warning sign at all, but you can often discover hidden leaks. However, some general signs are used in identifying when one has the problem:
Increasing water bills: Where the amount of money going to your water bill shoots up for no apparent reason, that might be an indication that a hidden leak exists.
Damp or Discolored Walls and Ceilings: Stains or water spots and paint peeling and wall warping indicate leakage.
Mold and Mildew Growth: The retention of moisture causes mold growth, especially in areas where water damage is not easily discovered, such as behind walls or under flooring.
Stinky Odors: A wet, musty smell may just mean that your building has been leaking water for a long time because there is an undetected leak.
Low Water Pressure: Low water pressure from your faucets or shower, perhaps due to the existence of a leak in a pipe.
Sounds of running water: You might be experiencing running water dripping when all fixtures are closed.
If you suspect a leak, follow these steps to pinpoint its source:
Check Your Water Meter
Turn off all water sources in your home.
Check your water meter and record the reading.
Wait 30 minutes to an hour without using water.
Check the meter again—if it has changed, there is probably a leak.
Examine Common Leak Areas
Under Sinks – Look for moistness, water marks, or mildew.
Toilets – Put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. If the color appears in the bowl without flushing, there is a leak.
Behind Appliances – Check for water puddles or seepage behind washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters.
Basements and Crawl Spaces – Check for puddles, damp walls, or extensive mold growth.
Moisture Meter
A moisture meter will be able to detect damp areas in walls and floors, meaning it can trace leaks that aren’t easily identifiable by the human eye.
Listening for Leaks
Listen for dripping or running water when it is really quiet at night; listen within your walls, floors, and ceilings.
Dye Test
For hidden leaks in drain lines, add food coloring to water and flush it through the system. If the color appears in unexpected areas, there may be a leak.
How to Fix Hidden Leaks
Once you have found the leak, here is how to fix it:
Fix Leaking Faucets
Replace worn-out washers or O-rings on the faucet.
Replace it if it’s old.
Pipe Leaks
Fix small leaks by using pipe sealant or plumber’s tape.
For noticeable cracks, apply a temporary covering by using epoxy putty.
Repipe an area of pipe with a big crack.
Toilet Leaks
- If there is water that is leaking into the bowl, replace the flapper valve, as this may mean the tank valve is allowing some water to spill over.
- Change or tighten the wax ring if the water keeps welling up at the bottom on the sides of the toilet.
Wall Hidden Leaks
Cut out a small piece of drywall to expose the leaking pipe.
Use a pipe clamp for minor leaks; replace the section for the severe leaking.
Use a patch and repaint with the repaired work in the wall.
Clear Clogged Drains
Obstruction will bring a pile-up of water and leakage. Use a drain snake or a service sometimes referred to as a drain cleaning in Marana, AZ, to clear out blockage.
If it fails to work, ask a professional to use advanced cleaning of the drains.
How to Prevent Future Leaks
To prevent future leaks, there are some practices undertaken for prevention.
Check your plumbing periodically-Under sinks, behind appliances, and around water fixtures.
Check the water pressure – High pressure may cause pipes to crack and lead to leaks. Install a pressure regulator if that is the case.
Check for seals and connections – Make sure that pipe fittings and appliance hoses are tight and in good shape.
Schedule a professional inspection – A plumber will inspect your plumbing system and point out what is wrong before it becomes a serious problem.
When to Call a Professional
Small leaks can be addressed by Do It Yourself solutions while large leakages, complicated problems with the pipes, and wall and underground leaks require professionals. A professional plumber can easily determine and correct leakages using specific tools like a leak detection camera and pressure testing equipment. When the drain blocks and the backward flow of water occurs, getting professional cleaning to clear the pipes before damage arises would be suggested.
Final thoughts
Detect any invisible leaks within the house. Those leaks avoid damage caused by water, the onset of molds, and an enormous utility bill. The following will help one diagnose leaks in the early stages so that it’s corrected before developing into something significant. Call the plumber in Marana, AZ, if the leaks seem persistent and difficult to control. Plumbing maintenance will, therefore, save a lot of your time and money.
