Water leaks are the stuff of nightmares, causing a slew of issues in your house. From stench-inducing moist areas to structural damage that can cost thousands of dollars to repair. It’s vital to be able to detect water leaks, and there are several methods for doing so.
Here are some symptoms that your home has a water leak.
1. WET SPOTS
Water spots on the floor or walls are one of the most obvious symptoms of a water leak, however, they can be difficult to see if the leak is small. Whether you see some discoloration, run your hand over it to see if there is any wetness or dampness. It’ll almost always be accompanied by mold spots.
You might also notice pools of water in your garden or a section of grass that is flourishing in comparison to the rest. This indicates a leak in an underground pipe, which needs the assistance of a plumber.
2. PATCHES OF MOLD
Look for mold patches if you want to know how to locate a water leak in your home. Mold forms when an area of the house is consistently damp (for example, your shower), and it appears as black or white spots. Mould may develop on almost any surface and can develop in as little as 24 hours in the appropriate conditions.
Mould is useful for detecting leaks, but it can be deadly for people who have respiratory difficulties. Large spots of mold in your home are a sure sign that you have a leak.
3. RESIDUES
It’s difficult to figure out how to locate a water leak behind a wall, but stains may be your odd savior. If a water leak causes a regular wetness, the region will become stained, discolored, or blistered, making it easier to spot. This could be accompanied by mold or a musty odor that fills the nostrils once more.
4. A LARGER THAN USUAL BILL
Your bill will rise as a result of the frequent leaking of water. If it’s increased significantly and you’re convinced you haven’t been using more water than normal, you should try to locate a leak yourself first, using the tips in this article. It’s worth mentioning that a running toilet leak, which may be detected by lifting the toilet’s lid and inspecting the cistern, is a common cause of a larger cost.
If you have a smart meter, you can verify if there is a leak by turning off your water (faucet, toilet, shower, etc.) for a time and then checking the meter numbers.
5. MUSTY ODOR
When portions of your home become wet or damp, they’re generally accompanied by a musty odor generated by pools of still water or mold spores that have infiltrated the structure. If you sense a musty odor in your home but can’t see any mold, it’s possible that it’s growing behind an appliance or somewhere else as difficult to see.
6. AREAS THAT ARE SOFT OR FLEXIBLE
Water damage in walls can be difficult to detect, but by pressing down on the suspicious spots, you can find out more quickly. Wood and other building materials are hygroscopic, meaning they absorb water over time and become mushy when wet. You may notice that parts of your wall or ceiling are droopy and flexible after a water leak, which might compromise the structural integrity of your home. There may even be visible depressions, indicating a more significant leak or, more concerning, a termite infestation.
If your bathroom has a water leak, you may notice that the tile is spongy or mushy, or that it is coming away from its surface after losing its adherence.
If water from a leak accumulates outside, the water may have softened and displaced vulnerable parts of brickwork or asphalt.
7. WATER PRESSURE IS LOW
There could be a leak if you’ve noticed a decline in pressure in your faucets or shower and are convinced that water isn’t being used elsewhere in your home. The pressure change could be consistent or irregular, but either way, it indicates a potential plumbing issue in your home, whether it’s a water leak or something more catastrophic.
Low water pressure can also be detected by trickling faucets, dripping showerheads, and appliances that take a long time to fill, such as your dishwasher or washing machine.
8. WATER TRICKLING SOUND
You probably have a leak if your taps are turned off and you can hear the quiet trinkle of flowing water, and your home isn’t near to a quaint country stream. Before calling a plumber, try to locate the source of the noise and see whether it’s accompanied by any wet areas or mold.
9. APPLIANCES THAT ARE BROKEN OR ARE DISCONNECTED
Water leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, including manufacturer defects, water hoses disconnecting from faucets, and general wear and tear. Check for pools of water underneath your appliance and make sure the water hose is connected to see if it is leaking. Stains or discoloration should also be checked on nearby walls, cupboards, and benches.
10. SUPPLY LINE FAILURE
If you’ve discovered symptoms of a water leak but aren’t sure where it’s coming from, there could be a problem with the underground supply line, which is sadly your responsibility to repair. Because the supply line can be difficult to reach, it’s advisable to seek assistance from a plumber.
Water leaks are inconvenient and might cause costly difficulties. However, with the proper knowledge, they may be quickly identified and repaired before causing any damage to your home.
