If you suspect you may have hidden leaks in your home, it’s important to call in the professionals.
Hidden leaks in your home can be sneaky, causing long-term damage before you even realize they’re there. Not only can they lead to significant water damage, but they can also cause mold growth, increase your water bill, and even undermine the structural integrity of your property. Catching these leaks early is crucial, but how do you know when there’s a problem? And, more importantly, how can you fix it? Here’s a guide to help you detect hidden leaks and understand why professional plumbing services are often the best solution.
Signs You May Have a Hidden Leak
It’s important to know what signs you should be looking out for if you suspect your home or business may have a hidden leak. This information doesn’t just help you determine whether you truly believe you have a leak or not. It can also be incredibly useful if you need to call a professional plumber by offering them as much information as possible to go on as they begin their inspection and repair.
Sudden Increase in Water Bills
One of the first signs of a hidden leak is an unexplained increase in your water bills. If your consumption hasn’t changed but your costs have spiked, it could indicate a leak in the pipes that’s wasting water.
Water Stains or Dampness on Walls or Ceilings
Hidden leaks can cause water to seep into walls, ceilings, and floors. Keep an eye out for water stains, damp patches, or peeling paint, especially near plumbing fixtures. This is a red flag that there could be a leak inside the walls.
Musty Smell or Mold Growth
Mold and mildew thrive in areas with excess moisture. If you notice a musty smell or visible mold growth in areas that are difficult to reach, like basements, attics, or behind appliances, it could mean water is leaking in those areas.
Sounds of Running Water
If you hear the sound of running water when no faucets are on, it’s a strong indication that you have a hidden leak somewhere in your home. Often, this is a sign of a leak in your main water line, or pipes in the walls or foundation.
Low Water Pressure
Sudden changes in water pressure can be another indication of a hidden leak. If your showers or faucets are no longer providing strong pressure, the plumbing system could be compromised, either from a leak or a blockage.
How to Find the Source of the Leak
Detecting the exact location of a hidden leak can be tricky. While you can look for signs like water stains or listen for running water, finding the source often requires a professional’s expertise. Here’s why professional plumbers are essential:
Leak Detection Tools
Plumbers use advanced leak detection tools such as thermal imaging cameras, acoustic sensors, and pressure testing equipment. These tools allow them to pinpoint leaks in pipes hidden behind walls, under floors, or beneath concrete slabs, without causing unnecessary damage to your property.
Knowledge and Experience
A licensed plumber brings years of experience and knowledge of how plumbing systems work, including common leak spots. They can quickly identify signs of leaks that may go unnoticed by the untrained eye.
What to Do About It
If you suspect you have a hidden leak, the best course of action is to call a professional plumber as soon as possible. Here’s what they’ll do:
Initial Assessment
A plumber will assess your home’s plumbing system to look for signs of leaks, checking high-risk areas like behind walls, under sinks, and around appliances. If the leak is in a hard-to-reach area, they’ll use specialized tools to track it down.
Leak Repair
Once the source of the leak is identified, the plumber will carry out the necessary repairs. This may include fixing or replacing damaged pipes, sealing joints, or even replacing whole sections of your plumbing system if necessary.
Water Damage Restoration
In some cases, a hidden leak may have caused significant water damage to walls, ceilings, or floors. While a plumber can’t handle restoration work, they can advise on how to work with a restoration company to fix any damage caused by the leak.
Preventive Measures
A professional plumber can provide advice on preventing future leaks by inspecting your plumbing system and performing routine maintenance, such as checking water pressure, tightening connections, and clearing out debris from pipes.
Call Mahon Plumbing Today
If you still have more questions regarding your plumbing, we here at Mahon Plumbing are here to help. We have been serving the wider Baltimore area since 1994, so we have 25 years of experience to back up our fantastic service! Call us at our Baltimore location at 410-766-8566 or our Pasadena location at 410-636-7944. Be sure to keep up with us on social media by following us on Facebook or Twitter.