How To Tell If My Home Has Leaky Pipes
Sometimes finding a leaky pipe is simple. The sound of dripping water, a toilet tank that constantly runs and a massive puddle under your sink are obvious signs you need to call the plumbers at Redman Services. Often leaking pipes are hidden and harder to detect. Your Hometown Hero has some tips about the common signs of leaking pipes, how to check if a pipe is leaking and when to call in the professionals at Redman Services.
Common Signs of Leaking Pipes
The plumbing system extends throughout your home. There is a network of pipes from the supply line through the water meter and under the floors and within the walls of your home. It is no surprise that water leaks can be difficult to detect. Knowing the common indications can save you time and money by catching leaks early.
Read Your Water Bill
Automatic bill pay and credit cards make bills convenient and easy to pay so many homeowners don’t pay as close attention to their water bills as they should. Pay attention to your bill and monitor how your household uses water. A sudden spike in water usage is a clear sign a plumbing leak exists within your system.
Watch the Water Meter
If your notice a spike in water usage, you can watch your home’s water meter. If the water meter is running when faucets are closed, there is a high chance a hidden leak is to blame.
Inspect Your Lawn
Outdoor leaks are hard to detect during the winter months. Once you have evidence of increased water usage, walk across your lawn. Look for wet areas, and abnormal patches of greener grass. Grass that grows faster in patches rather than the rest of your lawn may reveal the location of a pinhole leak. If you use an irrigation system, inspect sprinkler heads for damage and leaks.
Stains and Water Marks
If you notice any staining on walls, ceilings, and basement floors within your home may reveal slow leaks. A few drops will accumulate over time and level drywall stained, wallpaper curled, and paint cracked or bubbled.
Musty Smells
If a bathroom, laundry room or kitchen suddenly smells different, contact our team. Puddling water from a leaking pipe may grow stagnant and smell musty. If a basement or crawl space that is normally dry begins to feel humid and the scent changes, calling in the pros may prevent bigger issues like mold.
Visible Mold and Mildew
Telltale water leak signs are visible mold and mildew. Checking pipes for discoloration, mold, and mildew helps detect the source of your leak. Mildew spots and mold growth on walls, ceilings, and floors are clear signs to call on your professional plumber.
Faucets, Fixtures, and Sinks
The most common source of excess water usage is the fixtures used every day. Checking the faucets inside and outside of your home should be a regular practice. Glancing under bathroom sinks while cleaning and listening for drips and running toilets can save you money on your water bill and prevent water damage by fixing minor issues before they escalate into emergencies.
Risks of Water Leaks
The plumbing system is carefully designed to deliver water precisely where you need it and drain it out of your home. All the pipes in your system should be secure and stable. When water leaks occur the risks can be as minor as changes in water pressure and annoying drips. A pipe leak can quickly damage a home’s foundation. Frozen pipes can burst and cause thousands of dollars of damage to your home’s interior and your possessions. Mold spores within your indoor air can impact the health of your family.
How to Check If A Pipe Is Leaking
If you suspect a pipe is leaking there are some very simple tests. Place a bucket or paper towel beneath the suspected pipe or fixture. If water stains appear then you know to call a plumber to repair or replace the fixture. Adding dyes and food coloring to the toilet tank can be helpful to reveal a water leak.
Call Redman Services for Professional Plumbing Repairs
Plumbing is a vital system to deliver water safely into your home and quickly remove wastewater. While some DIY projects are fun and practical, plumbing is too important. Trusting a team of professional plumbers means your water leaks are fixed properly. The team at Redman Services has seen every problem and performed every repair. If you suspect your plumbing system needs repair or simply want a complete inspection, our team has the proper solution for you.