When your toilet or faucet develops a leak, it’s usually easy to find. You’ll see small puddles of water near the toilet’s base or hear the telltale signs of a leaking faucet. Finding major leaks in your home’s water main and other pipes is more complicated because you won’t always see or hear them. Learning the four common signs you have a water leak lets you know when to contact a plumber who can be described as a leak detection expert.
1. Dramatic Water Bill Changes
Your water bill is based on the total water you use during each billing cycle. The water meter outside your home shows the amount used. You likely have an idea of your average water bill, which is why a sudden or dramatic increase can shock you. When this bill rises for no reason, it’s probably due to a hidden leak you can’t see.
2. Strange Sounds
When you think you have a water leak, turn off anything in your home that makes noise. This includes all electronics and some appliances. Walk around your house as you listen for any strange or unusual sounds. Two familiar sounds associated with a water leak are sloshing and dripping sounds. Dripping noises occur when there is a leak in the walls or under the floors. A sloshing sound can indicate that the leak is growing and that water is building up inside the space.
3. Wall and Floor Damage
Wall and floor damage belong in the same category because they are signs of serious water damage. Water damage happens when a surface or area receives constant exposure to water. If your toilet leaks, it can weaken the floorboards and leave stains behind at the base of the wall. When pipes inside the walls leak, you may notice some discoloration on the walls. The same thing happens when pipes under the floor leak.
4. Musty Odor
While you might blame a partner, kids, or pets for some foul odors, a musty smell is a big sign of a water leak. You may only pick up on the odor near the leak, but it can later spread to other areas. As the leak worsens, this smell can become so strong that you smell it every time you walk through the front door. Cleaners and air fresheners only mask the odor. You need to repair the leak to eliminate it.
Knowing the warning signs of a big water leak helps you know when to schedule one of our plumbers. Those signs include water and floor damage, musty odors, strange sounds, and changes to your water bill. When you notice one or more of these signs, contact Kimco Plumbing & Air in Lexington, TX, quickly for leak detection.
