Water leaks can be sneaky, often going undetected until they’ve already caused major damage to your home. That’s why it’s important to be ever vigilant and take swift action if you think you could possibly have a water leak in your system. Luckily, there are some common warning signs to look for and some easy ways to test for leaks.
Let’s take a closer look at how you can determine if your home is suffering from the effects of water leakage.
There are several common warning signs that you might have a leak in your water system, including:
When there’s an unprecedented spike in your water bill for no apparent reason, there very well could be hidden water leaks somewhere on your property. Check both indoors and outdoors for any dripping taps that may be the culprit, and make sure all are turned off completely.
If you have access to your water usage data, you could try running your water for 15 minutes or so and then recheck your water use stats – if usage has increased significantly, you should call a plumber to investigate further.
Checking around major appliances should be one of the first spots to check if you notice signs of water leaks. An antiquated appliance or a faulty gasket around a refrigerator or dishwasher could allow water to spill, causing harm. Different trouble spots require different solutions, and there are technologies to detect moisture and water where they shouldn’t be. Here are some typical places to check for leaks and take preventative measures:
If you notice any mould growth in areas of your home that are not typically prone to moisture build-up, such as behind cabinets or on plasterboard – this could be the sign of water leaks. Dampness in usually dry places is often accompanied by musty smells, another indication of excess moisture present, which is the perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew. So if you see or smell anything suspicious, be sure to call a plumber immediately to get it checked.
Have you noticed that your water pressure seems to be steadily decreasing over time? If so, it could be a sign that there are water leaks somewhere in your system. Often leaks will cause some sort of drop in water pressure, so if this is happening, don’t hesitate to call a plumber immediately so they can take a closer look at the problem.
If you notice any strange or unpleasant smells coming from your taps, pipes, or other areas of your home’s water system, it could be a sign that there is a leak somewhere – either water leaks itself or pooling moisture. If you suspect that this is the case, call in a plumber to investigate further and get the problem addressed as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
A much more serious indication of a water leak cracking developing in the foundation of your home or the floors of your home sinking. This is usually caused by water leaks in the pipe running underneath the concrete slabs and requires urgent attention. If not fixed, these cracks will only get bigger and cause more damage to your property. You don’t want the problem to get any worse – especially if it’s already caused significant damage to your home!
It’s important to be aware of the above common warning signs and take swift action to get a potential water leak checked out by a professional. By doing so, you can prevent unnecessary damage and costly repairs in the future.
If you do suspect that you have a water leak, the first thing you should do is shut off your main water valve to prevent any further damage.
Sometimes, the repair may be as simple as tightening a loose connection or replacing a washer. However, if the damage is more extensive and major repairs are needed, you’ll get an honest and competitive quote for the work needed. So don’t delay, call us right away if you suspect that you have a water leak, Eco Earth Plumbing will send one of our experienced plumbers to come and take a look to determine exactly where the water leak is coming from and what needs to be done to fix it.