Not all signs of a water leak are easy to spot. That is why it is so important to know the common signs of a water leak. Being able to identify a leak in your home can help save you costly repairs, mold, and foundational damage. Learn the five most common signs of a water leak, how to find a leak in a house, and what you can do about a water leak.
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5 Ways To Spot a Water Leak in Your Home
When you find puddles of water in your home, you know you have a leak. The following five signs are less obvious, but equally as important to watch out for.
1. Higher Utility Bills
Your water bill should typically stay around the same each month. So if you start to notice an unusual increase in your monthly bill, despite not increasing your water use, you could have a leak. One way to test this theory is to check your water heater. Turn all the faucets off and if the unit is still running, there could be a leak.
2. Discolored Ceilings
In addition to checking your monthly bill, also keep an eye on your ceilings. A water leak can be detected by abnormal coloring on your ceilings, specifically in the bathroom or attic. Dark spots can indicate water stains and typically come from the roof. However, if you notice these dark or brown, discolored spots on the ceiling under an upstairs bathroom, the leak is most likely coming from there. Discolored ceilings are a sign of water damage and need immediate attention.
3. Musty Smells or Visible Mold
A musty smell or visible mold are signs of a water leak somewhere in the home. Moisture and warm air cause that foul smell and lead to mold and mildew growth. Mold can lead to respiratory problems, so immediate action needs to be taken upon discovering spore development.
4. Damaged Floors and Walls
Soft walls or warped and damaged floors can indicate a water leak. Kitchens and bathrooms are common places for this damage to occur. There may be a leak behind the bathtub, toilet, or backsplash that has loose tiles or eroded caulk. It is a good idea to check underneath sinks and basement carpet for any stained, cracked, or buckling floors.
5. Low Water Pressure
If the water pressure coming from your faucets is just not what it used to be, there could be a leak in the plumbing. A leak of any size can prevent water from running to faucets, showerheads, and toilets. Check for a leak by ensuring any appliances are not in use, then test the faucets in your home individually. If the water pressure is still too low, call a water damage repair specialist to assess your pipes for a leak.
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What Causes Water Leaks?
Now that you know how to find a leak in a house, you may be wondering what caused that leak in the first place. The best way to determine the cause is to call in a water damage technician who can accurately assess and diagnose your leak. You may discover that your leak was the result of:
- Broken appliances
- Clogged drains
- Aging or corroded pipes
- Damaged pipes
- Excessive water pressure
- Frozen pipes
Is a Water Leak Serious?
Not only can water leaks lead to severe problems like mold growth, higher utility bills, structural damage, and pest infestations, but they can lead to costly repairs. Leaks can lead to water damage, which, if left unaddressed, can result in these serious outcomes.
Not only can a ceiling leak result in structural damage and costly repairs, but if the leak is near a lighting fixture, it can result in electrocution.
What To Do After Discovering a Water Leak
The first step you should take after discovering a leak is to locate and stop the water. Then turn off all the power if it is safe to do so. This can temporarily fix the urgent problem of leaking water but will still require you to contact a professional water damage repair specialist to expertly mitigate the damage and restore your property.
Tips & Insights: Is It Normal To Have Water In My Crawl Space?
Call the Professionals at CTR
If you discover one of the signs of a water leak, call the water damage repair experts at CTR. For over 25 years, Idaho residents have trusted CTR with fast and reliable water damage repair services. Our technicians are professionally trained, licensed, and experienced in providing water damage cleanup services. With 24-hour emergency services and 60-minute response times, you can get your home back to its pre-loss condition quickly. Get a free estimate when you call our experienced contractors at (208) 505-9093 or by scheduling your assessment online.
