Thankfully, detecting a water leak can be easy with observation. Here are a few signs to look out for that indicate a leaking pipe:
- High Water Bill: Your water bills should stay around the same amount each month. If your bills increase dramatically, this can be due to excess water being wasted.
- Water Stains: Small leaks are harder to detect because they drip over time. One way to catch them is finding discoloration on the walls and ceilings where your pipes are that look like dark splotches. These stains can even appear in your cabinetry or under sinks.
- Water Discoloration: A damaged pipe is often rusted over or corroded. A leak can pump some of the particles into your water, turning it reddish-brown when it comes out the tap.
- Mold Growth: Water leakage will dampen your walls and ceilings, providing a moist environment for mold and mildew to thrive. Finding patches of mold growth around your property’s structure or in your cabinets could indicate hidden water from a leak.
- An Odor: Dirty water and sewage heading to your sewer system may come through into your home from a leaking pipe. This will cause your property to smell from the blockage. Mold and water stains will also produce a musty smell.
- Low Water Pressure: If water is trickling in your taps, the lack of a stream could mean a leak is releasing the pressure in your pipes.
How to Check for Leaks
Detecting a leak early can save you tons and prevent serious damage to your property. After noticing a few of these signs, the best way to test for a leak is by checking your water meter.
Monitoring your home or business’s water meter should be a clear indication of if there is a leak in your pipes and plumbing. First, make sure to shut off all faucets and water sources within your property (sinks, dishwasher, washing machine, etc.) and prevent any water from running. Then, check the numbers on your monitor. If the numbers start changing, then that means there’s a huge leak that needs to be addressed urgently.
If the numbers don’t change immediately, wait an hour or two and then check again. Even a marginal change could indicate a small leak somewhere in your pipes.
Once you’ve determined that there’s a leak in your pipe system, it’s time to call in a professional to assess the damage and make the repair.
Exceptional Plumbing Services in Chesterfield, VA
When you detect signs of a water leak, it’s essential to call an expert in plumbing to repair the pipe. The longer the leak remains, the more damage will occur and the more costly the problem will become.
If there’s a major pipe leak in your kitchen or bathroom’s water supply or drainage system, Mike Wilson has you covered.
Mike Wilson Plumbing provides experienced and reliable plumbing services to home and business owners in the Midlothian and Chesterfield areas. Our 24/7 emergency plumbing services will repair your leaking pipes and restore them to perfect condition.
Call us to schedule an appointment and we’ll be there as soon as possible to fix your pipes.