Do
you know the signs and causes of a water leak in your home? Although a simple
leak may seem not a major concern at first sight, delaying action on a water
leak can fester into causing significant structural damages and other problems
with time.
Water
leaks shouldn't be taken lightly, especially as the warmer months roll in and
time spent away on vacation. The last thing you want is to return home from a
well-deserved vacation and to be faced with a whole-home flood.
In
this blog post, we'll cover the warning signs that indicate a potential water
leak in your house and the steps you can take to address the issue promptly.
Table
of Contents
● Types of Water Leaks
● Signs of a Water Leak
● How Can I Spot Leaks Early?
● Why Do You Need a Professional to
Inspect?
● Schedule a Plumbing Leak Repair
First,
let's dive into the types of water leaks that you may be encountering in your
home now or as you progress in your spring cleaning routine.
Types of Water Leaks
Water leaks can occur throughout
your home wherever piping exists, including in the walls and floors as well as
components such as toilets, heating systems, washers, and sinks.
Additionally, you can also find water leaks across different areas:
1. Plumbing Fixtures and Appliances
●
Sinks and Faucets
●
Toilets
●
Bathtubs and Showers
●
Refrigerators
●
Dishwashers and Washing Machines
2. Pipes and Plumbing System
●
Water Supply Lines
●
Drainage Pipes
●
Plumbing Joints
3. Basement and Crawlspace
●
Foundation Leaks
●
Sump Pump Failures
4. HVAC System
●
Air Conditioning Units
●
Water Heaters
5. Exterior Landscaping and Irrigation Systems
●
Sprinkler Systems
●
Outdoor Faucets
6. Interior / Exterior Walls
●
Walls and floors
●
Clogged condensate line from mini split AC
Signs of a
Water Leak
Recognizing the signs of a water
leak is an important practice that you can take as it serves as the initial
line of defense against potential damages. Spotting leaks before letting them
fester reduces your risk of facing extensive repairs and costly structural
damage.
Signs of a water leak may manifest
in various ways, including visible water stains on walls or ceilings,
unexplained increases in water bills, damp or musty odors, the sound of running
water when no fixtures are in use, and the presence of mold or mildew.
More specifically, here are some common warning signs to watch out for:
1. Increased water bills
Have your water bills been
inexplicably rising even though your water usage remains the same? This could
be a sign of a hidden leak. According to a study, ten percent of homes have leaks
that waste 90 gallons or more per day. Increased water bills is a warning sign
worthy of further investigation.
2. Wet spots or stains
Keep an eye out for damp spots,
water stains, or discoloration on your ceilings, walls, or floors. These areas
may feel damp or have a musty odor, indicating a leak behind the surface which
is usually caused by a faulty pipe or fitting.
3. Mold growth
Mold thrives in damp environments.
If you notice mold growth, especially in areas that typically don't get wet, it
could be a sign of a leak.
Additionally, if you experience unexplained respiratory problems, it could be
linked to mold growth and exposure which makes it more critical to solve the
leak issue.
4. Weakend wood
Water damage can weaken wood, making
it feel spongy when pressed. This is a clear indication of a leak and the need
for immediate repair. If you let this situation prolong, you may run the risk
of even greater structural damage done to your home.
5. Peeling on walls
Paint or wallpaper peeling away from
walls can result from water infiltration which is another sign of a possible
leak. This is because leaks can cause moisture to build up behind walls,
leading to peeling and cracking.
6. Low water pressure
A noticeable decrease in water
pressure, especially throughout your house, could be a sign of a leak somewhere
in the system. Essentially, the water is being distributed elsewhere and not to
your sink faucet or shower.
So, the next time you turn on your water faucet in your sink or shower, test to
see if there's a significant change in the water pressure. If this is the case,
and no visible signs of water is seeping into your home, leave it to our
plumbing experts to help locate the water leak before it gets worse.
7. Sagging/discoloring of ceiling:
A sagging or discolored ceiling is a
warning sign that water damage is occurring above. Even a small sag can worsen
over time, so it's crucial to address it promptly.
8. Rusty pipes
Corrosion and rust on exposed pipes
can be the culprit for potential leaks. Also, galvanized steel pipes usually
found in older homes are prone to rust and corrosion, which can eventually lead
to leaks.
9. Noisy plumbing
Constant dripping, banging, or
hissing sounds from your pipes are signs of a potential leak. Ignoring these
sounds can lead to larger problems down the line.
10. Damaged flooring
Warping, staining, or soft spots on
your floors, accompanied by a musty odor or loose tiles, could indicate water
damage from a leak below the surface.
Why Do You
Need a Professional to Inspect?
Some water leaks may be hidden from
plain sight, making them challenging to detect without professional expertise
and equipment. Additionally, water leaks aren't always a plumbing-related issue
and rather a problem with your HVAC system, such as leaky drainage lines in
your mini split AC system.
If you are noticing signs of leaks
near your mini-split AC, it may be a clogged condensate drain, which is the
drainage line that drains the condensation build up produced by your evaporator
in your system. This may require a professional Atlanta HVAC technician to
unclog your drain line.
Regardless, if you are experiencing any other problems listed above, it's best
to get in contact with our licensed and certified plumbing specialists today.
They can best assess the extent of the damage and recommend the most
appropriate repair solutions to ensure your home is leak-free.
Schedule
Atlanta Water Leak Repair Service Today
Don't ignore the warning signs of water leaks in your home. Our team of
licensed plumbing experts specializes in locating and repairing water leaks
promptly and effectively. Schedule a consultation today to protect your home
from the damaging effects of water leaks.
We provide plumbing services throughout the greater Atlanta area, including Alpharetta, Buckhead, Gwinnett, Lawrenceville, Kennesaw, Marietta, Midtown, Mableton, Morrow, Newnan, Norcross, Peachtree City, Powder Springs, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, Snellville, Suwanee, Virginia Highland, Vinings, and Woodstock.
Call or schedule service with Estes Services today. It's
that easy; It's Estes!
