3 Common Signs of a Leaking Pipe in Your Home

Seeing water dripping from a sink or toilet is the easiest way to spot a potential leak. But what if you hear it dripping but can’t spot it, or worse, you couldn’t see or hear anything out of the ordinary? Will there be any other way to find out if there is a pipe leak in your home?

Below are some practical ways you can determine if your home has a plumbing problem. Read on and apply them to spot leaks that need to be checked by a commercial plumber to avoid major issues.

1. Mouldy Smell

A foul odour is a glaring sign of leakage. If you can’t see or hear the leak, smell it! The mouldy smell in your house (aside from the one coming from your basement, yikes!) is a sign of moisture problems like mildew. You can sense moisture in a room even without seeing them as they fill the space’s scent.

It is often easy enough to tell when there is a change in smell in your room. Mildew can grow in rooms that are high in moisture and humidity. When you sense the mouldy smell in your room but can’t determine where the mildew is, contact your plumber right away for immediate assistance.

Aside from mouldy smells, you can also encounter sewer gas odour. This occurs when a trap has run dry or a vent line has cracked. It doesn’t take rocket science to know that a drain needs a trap and a trap needs a vent. Traps and drains are installed to prevent sewer gas from getting into your home. The vents work to channel the sewer odour away from your home, while drain traps form a water plug that serves as a shield against sewer odours.

2. Mould Spots

What does a mould spot look like? It is usually black that you can easily spot on your walls, floors, and ceilings. Mould typically grows in moist environments and is an indication of a leak.

Mould and mildew usually go together. Aside from being eyesores, mould and mildew can pose health risks, including skin irritation, throat irritation, and nasal decongestion. The effect of mould and mildew can be worse for people who have mould allergies.

It is essential to determine the cause of the growing mould, and a water leak is a possible cause. If you think there is a water leak, contact your plumber immediately.

3. High Water Bill

This is the last thing you would want to experience if you have a leak at home. Many homeowners have experienced receiving sky-rocketing water bills despite maintaining the usual water consumption. This is one of the unforeseen expenses that add stress to homeowners. More than being a budget wrecker, a spiking water bill is a clear sign of a shift in the way your plumbing system works.

The first thing you need to do if you get an unusually high water bill is to look for the leak. One of the most common plumbing problems is a running toilet. Check your toilet valve and turn it off to troubleshoot if it is the source of the issue. If you are unsure, contact your plumber.

Conclusion

As a homeowner, you probably have figured by now that pipe leaks and issues must be acted upon promptly. When a pipe continues to leak, it will not only cause a spiking water bill but severe plumbing problems that can potentially damage your home.

A major plumbing problem can be very stressful, especially if you don’t have a contact plumber.  For your emergency plumbing needs, you can always dial 604-360-2710. Bromac is always ready to offer plumbing and heating solutions and is willing to go above and beyond to serve our customers.

We are located in Abbotsford, BC and service both the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, including Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Langley, Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Delta, Surrey and Maple Ridge. Call us today!