Telltale Signs of Water Leak

A leaky roof or pipe is among the common causes of sagging ceilings.

Water leaks are a major annoyance that every homeowner has to deal with at some point. Plumbing leaks can cause extensive property damage and waste gallons of water, resulting in high water bills. Most homeowners fail to detect a leak until it’s too late. Early leak detection is critical to save money on water bills, protect the belongings, and maintain the property’s structural integrity.

Fortunately, there are some telltale signs of water leaks every homeowner should know to help avoid a potential disaster.

Wet spots and stains

Wet spots, discoloration, or stains on the walls, floors, and ceilings indicate a water leak in the roof or the main water line. Wet spots are difficult to notice sometimes if the leak is minor, as the spot may dry quickly. Homeowners should also inspect the outdoors for leaks. If a lawn area has overgrowth or looks lusher and greener than the surrounding area, call a plumber to investigate for underground leaks and fix the problem quickly.

A sudden spike in the water bills

Unusually high water bills without significant water consumption increases indicate a water leak. Even minor leaks can cause a sudden rise in the water bills. Homeowners can perform a quick check by turning off all the water and checking if the readings on the water meter change after a couple of hours. There is a hidden leak if the number changes.

Poor water pressure

Water leaks in the pipes can cause a sudden drop in the water pressure as the water drains out before it travels to the fixture. Call a professional plumber for inspection if there is a sudden or drastic decline in the water pressure in one or two fixtures.

Mold and mildew

Damp surroundings created by leaks are favorable for mold and mildew growth. Some mold types can take as little as a day to grow. Mold is unsightly, has a musty smell, and can cause respiratory issues, making the home environment unhealthy. It is best to call a professional to detect and fix a leak if homeowners notice mold growth or a musty smell.

Sagging ceiling

A leaky roof or pipe is among the common causes of sagging ceilings. Homeowners should watch for sagging in the ceiling as it can result in significant damage or complete ceiling collapse.

Peeling paint or wallpaper

Leaks in the wall can cause the paint or wallpaper to peel or blister. A leak that has been there for some time can result in stains and leave the wall in flakes. A professional uses advanced techniques to determine the underlying cause and provide the best solution.

Strange noises

Noisy plumbing is another symptom of a leak somewhere in the plumbing system. Usually, the plumbing works quietly when all its components are working correctly. A constant dripping or running water noise, hissing, grumbling, or burping noises require investigation by a professional plumber.

Safeguard the plumbing system

Water leaks can occur in the water main line, along the water pipe, fixtures, drain pipes, appliance fittings, inside walls, cabinets, ceiling, or flooring, and within the hot water systems. Minor leaks can turn catastrophic when mishandled. Therefore, homeowners should call a local plumber immediately for leak detection and remediation on noticing any signs of a water leak.

Just in Case Mechanical offers residential and commercial plumbing, sewer, water softener, electrical, lighting, and HVAC services Lancaster County. Call us today at (717)696-1511.