The plumbing that snakes its way through our homes is a bit more delicate than we would like to believe. Sometimes, even small amounts of damage or the passage of certain objects down the drain can cause a pipe to rupture. A burst pipe is one thing; it’s usually evident when you have one of those. But what about circumstances where there’s only a small leak? How do you tell if your pipes have sprung a leak somewhere? Keep an eye out for these signs that you have a hidden leaky pipe in your walls so that you can get to it quickly.
Lower Water Pressure
If part of the water that goes through your pipes is leaking out, it will affect the water pressure you receive through your faucets. So, if you start to notice that most faucets in your home don’t have the same level of water pressure you’re used to, this could be a sign you have a leaky pipe in your walls. A piping and drain expert will be able to tell you what the problem is, as well as find the leaky pipe should you have one.
Higher Monthly Water Bill
Your water main will start to compensate for the water lost through a leaky pipe to keep your house supplied with the same amount of water. This means that you’ll begin to use more water every month without even realizing it. Therefore, keep an eye on your water bill. If you haven’t changed your water consumption habits recently, a sudden increase might mean there’s a pipe leaking somewhere in your walls.
Mold and Mildew Buildup
Dark, moist places like the inside of a wall are the perfect breeding grounds for mold and mildew. You can usually see this mold or mildew start to build up over time, which will give you a pretty good idea of where a leaky pipe is. Mold and mildew present real threats to you and your family’s health. Don’t hesitate to call in a plumber to find the problem pipe if you notice mold or mildew growth.
Traceable Odor
As unpleasant as it sounds, sometimes, the best indicator of a leaky pipe in your walls is a noticeable musty odor coming from one particular place. Similar to mold, tracing this odor to its source could give you a better idea of where the leak is. But use caution before you try to deal with it yourself. A professional plumber will be able to fix the pipe with minimal damage to the rest of your house.
For more blogs on leaks and home maintenance, read these:
How To Stop Water From Getting Into Your House
8 Steps To Safeguard Your Home Against Water Damage
