5 Signs You Have a Water Leak in Your Home

A homeowner has many different responsibilities, one of which is to ensure that their property is free from water damage. Unfortunately, plumbing leaks are often incredibly frustrating for homeowners, as they are sometimes hard to detect because they’re hidden inside walls or ceilings. For this reason, they end up being expensive to fix since they become noticeable once they’ve caused enough damage.

Additionally, if your home has a slab foundation, it can be even harder to find water leaks, particularly with older concrete ones with ancient pipes underneath them. Regardless, early leak detection is key to saving you money and preventing expensive repairs, making it crucial to hire leak detection services every once in a while.

Here are five signs you have a water leak in your home:

1. A Spike in Water Bill Costs

You have a good idea of how much you spend on water bills every month, so if it suddenly spikes in cost without you consuming more water than usual, it may mean you have a water leak in your home. Even small leaks can quickly add up, especially if they go unaddressed for weeks or months, wasting thousands of gallons of water and adding to your water bill.

A great way to determine a leak is to look at your water usage when no one is home. Write the number on your water meter before leaving, then check it once you return. If the meter moved, then you have a leak.

Additionally, leaky toilets often lead to high water bills. Luckily, these are easy to fix. All you have to do is call a licensed plumber to replace the flush ball or flapper in the tank, and it’s as good as new.

2. Lower Water Pressure

Another indication that you have a water leak in your home is if you suddenly experience a decrease in your water pressure while no one else uses other fixtures. Low water pressure is usually a result of an accumulation of sediment in pipes, water leaks, or faulty valves. If you have a leak in your plumbing system, less water runs through your pipes, which naturally leads to a drop in water pressure.

3. Mould and Mildew in Your Home

Water leaks inevitably lead to mould and mildew in your home, which often leads to health issues, like upper respiratory problems and allergies. It can also trigger asthma attacks and lead to the development of toxic black mould, which is highly hazardous to the health.

Mould and mildew need moisture and darkness to thrive. Unfortunately, water leaks often happen in tight, dark spaces, which is precisely where mould loves to grow. When left untreated, it can extensively damage your home, so it’s best to call experts in to address the situation right away. Additionally, if you have a musty smell in your basement, that’s a sure sign you have a mould problem.

4. Peeling Paint or Wallpaper

Wallpaper that begins to blister or paint that begins to peel usually indicates a leak within the wall. Once you see the peeling or blistering, it means the leak has been there for some time, requiring your immediate attention to avoid further damage. Drywall and wood absorb moisture quickly, which means the structure underneath may be compromised, so it’s best to address the leak right away.

5. Strange Noises in Your Plumbing System

Another telltale sign of water leaks in your home is if you hear strange noises in your plumbing system. If everything is working as it should, then everything should be pretty quiet. However, if you hear rattling sounds or vibrations, it may indicate a loose-fitting or mount in your lines that may also be the cause of a water leak. In this case, you’ll want to contact an emergency plumber to conduct water line repair.

Conclusion

Water leaks are a nuisance to deal with due to the problems they cause in your home and the expenses needed to repair them. By keeping watch for these signs, you’ll protect your home from extensive damage and high water bills.

Bromac Mechanical is your go-to emergency plumber in Abbotsford for all your plumbing needs. We offer all kinds of heating and plumbing services, such as pipe repair, leak detection services, water heater repair, and more. Contact us today to schedule a repair!