With the availability of reliable plumbers, such as Good Maintenance, you can call at any time, and any plumbing issues you have can be fixed as soon as possible. But what if you don’t know you have a problem in the first place? Not all water and pipe leaks show visible signs, but there are warning signs you should look out for.
Sudden Increase in the Water Bill
If you’re paying higher than usual for your water, consider it a red flag. This is especially true if the consumption and water usage remain the same.
- Make sure that household water usage hasn’t increased or has caused a sudden spike in your water bill. Give it a couple of months to observe, just to be sure.
- Check the water meter and see if it continues to run even when there’s no one using the water or at night when everyone is asleep. The meter is either broken, or there is a hidden leak somewhere.
- Check and verify that none of your appliances, such as sprinklers and dishwashers, are using too much or wasting water.
- If you live in an older property, plumbing concerns are one of the top common repair issues, something you should consider if you suddenly experience an increased water bill.
Water Leak Behind Walls
With pipes running behind walls, it’s possible that one of them may be causing a leak. You may not see it right away, but there are certain indicators to watch out for.
- Wall paint peeling off or bubbles forming on wallpaper could mean that moisture is seeping through from behind the walls. That trapped moisture can compromise the quality of the finish.
- Increased water bills may be caused by a hidden water leak. Combined with visible unusual stains or discolouration, you may want to schedule leak detection.
- Use your ears and nose to help you identify a possible leak. When everything is quiet, you may hear dripping or hissing sounds. If you suddenly smell something musty or mouldy, a hidden leak may be to blame. Mould loves a damp environment, which undetected leaks can provide.
- Wooden elements, such as skirting boards, may also indicate a wall water leak. Wood tends to swell or twist because of dampness and moisture damage.
Mould and Mildew Growth
As already mentioned, moulds breed in damp environments, which can be alarming if you see them in places that are supposed to be dry, such as the corner of a bedroom or behind cabinets.
- Musty smell or odour coming out of what was supposedly a dry area in your home could mean a water-leak-induced mould build-up.
- Be on the lookout for mould in places where there are no pipes or plumbing fixtures running through or behind them.
- Persistent green and black spots around your home may also indicate a hidden leak.
You should also be on the lookout for sudden infestations of mosquitoes, cockroaches, and other insects. Most of them are attracted to wet material and exposed water sources. If they persist despite all your efforts to clean your home, consider a leak as a possible problem. To help you identify invisible pipes or water leaks, call the expert plumbers of Good Maintenance.
