Water can be a silent problem, finding its way into cracks and crevices of your home, ruining the entire structure and foundation slowly over time. It’s not always going to come rushing out and making itself obvious, but knowing what to look for to catch it before it’s too late is crucial. Here are four signs you have a leak in your pipes that can help you pinpoint problems:
1. Inflated Utility Bill
One of the first signs people notice is the water bill. Sticker shock on a higher than normal bill will definitely get your attention. Since most bills stay around the same ballpark, if yours raises significantly one month it’s a good sign there’s a leak somewhere in your home. Armed with this knowledge you can begin looking for the problem area.
2. Unwanted Growth
Mold and mildew, while concerning, is not entirely uncommon around showers and sinks. It’s an ongoing battle but an expected one. When you start to see mold and mildew on non-shower walls though it’s a good sign that there’s water somewhere behind the partition. Catching a small spot means you can usually get into the wall and fix the damaged area, patch the wall and be done!
3. Sagging & Swelling
If you’ve ever walked through a home with hardwood floors and seen an area buckled, chances are there’s water damage in the sub-floor springing from a leak. This can also occur in walls, ceilings, and cabinets. A sagging or buckled area will also be accompanied by some discoloration.
4. Unpleasant Odor
One of our strongest senses is smell; use it to your advantage to sniff out water damage. A musty smell can be a direct indicator of a leak. Follow it to the epicenter and see if any other problems are evident.
Water is crucial to life but it can also be a damaging force. Keep an eye out for these signs you have a leak in your pipes to keep your home safe. If your plumbing needs to be repaired, contact ASAP Plumbing today at 228-865-2727 or visit www.plumbinggulfportms.com and request a free estimate! We can handle all your plumbing needs including installation, repair, and full water heater replacement.
