A hidden leak in your plumbing system can cause massive damage to your home. Water is particularly destructive to the walls, ceilings, and flooring. You'd have to part with a large sum to repair the resulting damage.
Unfortunately, the signs of a hidden leak aren't always obvious. You'd need to know where to check and what to look for. Below are four signs that you might have a hidden leak in your plumbing system.
1. Increasing Water Bills
A larger household and increased water usage by new appliances may explain the sudden increase in your water bill. However, if none of these reasons apply to you, you probably have a hidden leak somewhere in your house.
Surprisingly, even a seemingly small leak can quickly waste a large amount of water after a month or so. You could have a busted pipe behind your walls or an underground leak outside the house from which a lot of water goes to waste.
To be sure, you could compare your current bill to the previous ones. Watch out for any spikes that you can't explain. A hidden leak can only get worse, and your water bills will keep increasing. A thorough plumbing inspection can uncover such leaks and save you hundreds of dollars in the future.
2. A Musty Smell
Typically, water leaking from a busted pipe gives off a distinctive musty smell when it sits in one place for long. Because the leak is hidden, the water may not dry off, hence the musty smell.
For instance, an earthy smell inside your bathroom (even after you clean your bathroom), could point to a hidden leak in the nearby pipes. Sometimes, you may be tempted to use an air freshener to mask the smell. But doing so doesn't stop the leak from causing further damage.
If you notice a musty smell near your sink, perform a close visual inspection for any unusual pooling. Check the lower cabinets for any signs of water on the items you store there. You could also examine the flooring around the area for any unexplained dampness.
3. Patches of Blistering Paint
A hidden leak can easily damage the paint or wallpaper on your walls. You may notice a warped color on the walls as the water damage intensifies. When water comes into contact with paint, bubbles start to form on the drywall. Eventually, paint starts to peel off, with some parts showing signs of cracking.
A hidden leak in the bathroom may be easier to notice. Water stains may appear on the floorboards and wallpaper. These stains could also appear spongy after a close inspection. Gradual water damage causes the stains to expand and warp much faster. Eventually, the wallpaper starts to get loose and peels off after a while.
Still, you may have a hard time identifying the source of the hidden leak. Luckily, a qualified plumber can use their skills to accurately point out what parts of your plumbing system need attention.
4. Mold or Mildew SpotsMoisture provides the perfect conditions for mold to thrive. A busted pipe under your floor or behind a wall can become a rich source of moisture. You're likely to spot patches of mold or mildew near the source of the leak.
But sometimes, the mold spots may be hidden away from plain sight. A leak could develop in some inaccessible parts of the house, and you may have a hard time detecting mold growth. Luckily, mold has an unmistakable odor, similar to the smell of
rotting wood
in a damp forest.
Immediately you suspect mold anywhere in your house, you should act quickly to protect your family against the harmful effects of excessive mold growth. Your plumber can help identify the hidden leak and prevent further problems in the future.
If you suspect a hidden leak in your home, contact us at
Peter Piper's Plumbing & Drain Cleaning Service
as soon as possible.
