When talking about the issues in the plumbing system, you might wonder what is water leakage? Also, how does it differ from a burst pipe?
A leak is one of the most common and frustrating plumbing problems many homeowners have to deal with. The problem usually starts as a minor issue with a plumbing fixture such as a loose screw of a pipe, so it is difficult to find. This is why the problem often goes undetected until it turns into something serious like a burst pipe.
If you think that your property is suffering from water leaks, there are physical signs that can help you confirm it. These signs can be tested with a water leakage detector that you can install on your property.
Signs of Water Leaks
Suspecting that you have a water leakage somewhere on your property? These are the signs that you have to watch out for:
1. Unusually High Water Bill
There are several reasons water bills increase within a monthly period. Here are some:
- Friends or family members staying in your home for a while
- Suppliers increased the cost per liter or gallon of water due to scarcity
- Changes in weather or climate increased plumbing system activities
You have to factor in these reasons when you receive a suspiciously high water bill for a given month. If none of them exists, the chance of having a water leakage somewhere on your property is high. Still, it’s best if you first counter-check your latest billing by comparing it with your previous water statements.
2. Wet and Damaged Floors
Observing your flooring in the kitchen and bathroom areas is a good way of confirming a leak. There are three types of flooring people commonly install in their homes, and they are:
- Tiles
- Floorboards
- Vinyl
The first sign you have to look for is the buildup of puddles in the kitchen and bathroom areas. If the flooring remains wet after hours of not using any plumbing fixture, then you have a leakage.
The second sign is when floorboards start to warp or change their shapes. This means that they have already absorbed a significant amount of water that is more than they can hold.
The third sign is the bubbling sound when you step on the floor. This indicates that excess water has seeped through the flooring. Some tiles are known to crack because of this simply because the excess water trapped between the tiles and the concrete floor is trying to find a way out.
3. Rapid Plant Growth
When you have a natural lawn, observe the growth of your plants. If it is unusually fast, there is probably a water leakage in one of the pipes running under the lawn. Another sign of lawn leaks is if there is a patch of greener grass. Since it receives more water from the leakage, this patch grows faster and greener when compared to the rest of the grass.
While this may sound good for your lawn, excess water supply on plants can cause them to wilt because they will have difficulty absorbing oxygen. Simply put, they will likely drown over time if you don’t address the leakage immediately.
4. Damaged Ceiling
Look up and stare at your ceiling. If you notice water stains, warping, or sagging portions, it is probably because of water leakage from aburst pipe located in the roof. When you notice this sign, call a professional plumber immediately because it means that the leakage has been there for quite some time, and there’s a real possibility that your ceiling could collapse anytime soon.
To avoid plumbing-related accidents, ask for a good water leakage solution from your local plumbers. They should quickly respond to your call because a leak is a serious problem that needs immediate solution.
5. Cracks on the Wall
Did you know that, just like earthquakes, water leakage can also cause cracks in your walls? When engineers and architects design apartment buildings, they usually plan to hide the plumbing pipes. Most of them are made to run in between walls, floors, and ceilings of each unit. If you live in a high-rise apartment, the possibility of having plumbing fixtures placed in between the walls of each unit is high.
When you notice that your apartment walls are starting to crack, inform your landlord so he can call a professional plumber who will locate the cause of the problem and perform water leakage repair services immediately to avoid further damage.
6. Low Water Pressure
If you are experiencing low pressure in your water outlets even if the plumbing valves are fully open, there might be a leakage in the supply line. This can be easily verified if you have a water leakage sensor. This can be connected to the supply line and it will monitor the flow of water in the pipes. When the water leakage sensor sees irregularities in the flow of water, it means that there is a leakage in the pipe line.
You can also check the water meter if you’re looking for a home leak. Shut off the supply valve first and check if the meter pin keeps moving. If it is no water outlet is being used, it means that there is a continuous flow of water in the system. This should be addressed right away to prevent more significant water waste and high water bills.
7. Mold and Mildew Buildup
Mold and mildew thrive in damp or moist places. When you notice that they are starting to form in a specific area of your property, immediately check for signs of any water leak. If you are positive that a leakage is causing the buildup of molds and mildews, call a professional plumber to fix the problem.
Molds and mildews are dangerous for the respiratory system. They can trigger pulmonary diseases such as allergies, asthma, and pneumonia. They can also damage the structural integrity of your property. Thus, it is crucial that you try to find a water leakage solution immediately to prevent these fungi from growing further.
8. Wheezing Sound
A perfectly working plumbing system is relatively quiet. Most of the noises usually come from the heater. However, if you notice a wheezing sound similar to that of water boiling in a kettle, a water leakage detector will tell you that it’s from a broken water line. Check all the exposed pipes on your property to find the source of the problem. Also, shut off the plumbing valves to avoid flooding and loss of water while you wait for a plumber to reach your home.
Call A Better Plumber to Fix Your Leaky Fixtures
If you want to know how to stop water leakage, the best way is to contact a professional plumber.
We understand that dealing with a water leak can be such a hassle. It poses a great danger to everyone in the household because of an accidental slip from a puddle, or the sudden collapse of a heavily-damaged ceiling. To avoid these mishaps, call your trusted local plumber immediately.
If you are still looking for a plumber in Colorado Springs, contact us at A Better Plumber. We have a team of experienced plumbers who can diagnose any plumbing issue and efficiently deliver the needed water leakage repair.
Call us now and let us fix your leaky plumbing fixtures!
