How to Spot Early Signs of Water Damage Due to Plumbing Leaks

Of the more costly and distressing issues that may arise in your home, water damage is among those issues. What could be worse than that is where, usually, such sort of problems starts small. Behind the walls and under the floors are the two main places, and they get bigger until they can no longer be entirely concealed. Now, the question is what can be considered one of the most common causes of water damage. The answer is plumbing leaks.

Early detection of water damage restoration saves you a lot of money and trouble. In this blog, we will take you through some of the common early signs that indicate the occurrence of water damage due to plumbing leaks and how to address them before they grow into more serious problems.

Unexplained Increase in Your Water Bill

One of the first signs of a hidden leak is when your water bill suddenly goes up for no apparent reason. The increasing bills and consumption could be pointing to one thing when habits of usage have not changed: there may be some hidden leak in your system somewhere.

What to do:
If you already suspect a leak, check around the house for any apparent signs. Damp spots and mold also serve as clues about water damage. You could even hire a plumber to help you find the leak.

Damp or Wet Spots on Floors, Walls, or Ceilings

Wet or damp spots can be due to water leakage from pipes, which are kept hidden behind your walls, ceilings, or beneath your floor. The splotches may be water-stained or even soft and spongy when you walk on them. If it is severe enough, you can find a pool of water on the floor or even a sagging ceiling.

What to do:
Sprays may spread out quickly, but when you notice a wet spot, do not ignore it. Mop up immediately and search around the area. You may need to cut into the wall or ceiling to locate the leak and repair the plumbing.

Mold or Mildew Growth

Mold and mildew thrive in wet conditions. When mold or mildew is detected in these areas of the home that should be dry, like a living room, bedroom, or hall, there may be a plumbing leak present. Obvious mold usually appears as black streaks, blotches, or patches on the surface of walls and ceilings and carries a musty, disagreeable odor.

What to do:
This is a severe condition because of its outcome on your health, especially if you suffer from allergies or some respiratory issues. Properly clean the mold using a water-bleach solution and eliminate the leakage source. If this is a wide-spread mold problem, it’s best to hire a professional remediation mold company.

Low Water Pressure

If the pressure suddenly changes, such as when you suddenly notice low water pressure while operating your sink, shower, or another outlet, this could be evidence of some kind of leak within your plumbing system. With each instance of escaped water through a leak, the pressure inside the pipes gets lessened, and each time you turn on your faucets, the flow becomes weaker.

What to do:
When low water pressure happens in several areas of the house, check first for visible leaks around plumbing fixtures. Sometimes, visible leaks are concealed in the walls or underground. Call a professional plumber to check the pipes.

Strange Noises in the Plumbing

Other ways a leak or other plumbing issues may manifest include unusual sounds coming from your plumbing system, such as dripping, gurgling, or hissing. For example, should you think you hear the sound of running water and yet all of the taps are off, there may be a hidden leak.

What to do:
Listen to your plumbing for any strange noises when it’s at rest. If you hear anything, it’s worth investigating. A plumber can employ some pretty cool tools that detect leaks inside walls or underground without doing any damage to your home.

Water Stains on Ceilings or Walls

Water stains often take the form of dark brown or yellow patches on your wall or ceiling. These are sure signs that water has been consistently collected in one area for some time. Even if you find that the area is dry when you notice it, the leak in the water could still be active.

What to do:
If you do find a water stain, don’t just paint over it. Find out where the water came from and repair the source of the problem first. Sometimes that means going into pipes or fixtures over the place where the stained area occurred.

Warping or Buckling Floors and Walls

Buckling or warping:Water leakage can eventually warp wood, laminate, and other materials. If your flooring or walls seem un-even, or even feel a little soft to the touch, there might be water leakage in that area.

What to do:
If you see buckling or warping, you’ll need to address the leak immediately. Once the leak is fixed, you may also need to replace or repair the affected flooring or drywall.

Musty or Damp Odors

A musty smell in your home usually points to water damage that’s not visible. This smell occurs when water or moisture has sat for some time and been absorbed into materials like wood or drywall. If you don’t see any actual water damage but can smell this odor, there’s an issue.

What to do:
If you smell mustiness constantly, try to trace its cause. Look for signs of water damage, such as dampness, mold remediation​, or water stains. After you find its cause, stop the leak, ventilate the area, and wipe out the odor.

Peeling or Bubbling Paint or Wallpaper

When drywall or plaster absorbs moisture, it can cause paint and wallpaper to bubble, peel, or crack. That is a sure sign that moisture has built up inside the walls and could be due to a leak in plumbing.

What to do:
Peeling or bubbling paint, check the wall for signs of dampness or moisture. Locate the leak, and repair it. Let the wall completely dry out before repair and repainting.

Cracks in the Foundation or Walls

Due to the structural damage over time, water damage due to plumbing leaks can weaken the very foundation and walls of your home. This may cause visible cracks in the foundation or walls. If you notice new cracks developing, especially near plumbing lines, this might point to a major leak.

What to do:
Foundation damage is serious, and it should be left to a professional. If you think a plumbing leak is the cause of your cracks, have a plumber come in to inspect the pipes and perform any repairs before it gets any worse.

Running Water Sound When No Taps Are Open

If you hear the sound of running water and no taps are open, that is a symptom of a hidden leak. This could be a continuing problem, especially with underground or concealed pipes. Many times, the leak will not show its face until significant water damage has occurred.

What to do:
Immediately inspect your house for the appearance of any leakages. If this is irretrievable, then a plumber may be hired to examine the plumbing system. The plumber has leak detection devices which may be used to locate the problem.

Conclusion

Water damage due to plumbing leakages is one sure way in which your house may incur serious and extreme damage; it could even lead to health hazards. The prime thing necessary to avoid such large-scale issues is identifying the early signs and dealing with leakages as soon as possible. Keep an eye out on your water bill and for visible signs of water stains, mold, or buckled floors, and you will know strange noises in your plumbing. When in doubt, call in a professional since most can inspect a system and help avoid further damage.

By staying vigilant and catching those little leaks, you can save yourself thousands in costly repairs and preserve your home from the results of long-term water damage.