The Major Signs Of A Water Leak And What To Do About It
While occasionally, a water leak may be easy to spot. Other times, you won’t be so lucky. Unfortunately, water leaks can be very subtle. This is especially true in cases where the leaks are naturally hidden. The good news, any leak will leave various signs that you should be able to spot to help you address the issue before it’s too late. Here are some of the signs you should be looking for when you are dealing with a leak.
1. Your Water Bill Is Increasing For Some Unknown Reason
Unless your water usage habits have changed or you added more people to your home, you are likely to notice a spike in your water bill if you have a leak. Usually, you can look at your day to day water usage and tell if things have changed. Your water bill should generally fluctuate here and there, but there shouldn’t be a dramatic spike. If you notice that you are suddenly paying an extremely high amount compared to the usage in the past, it is likely a sign of a sure-fire leak.
2. Your Meter Continues To Run
If you actually shut off the main water valve yet your water meter continues to rise, this is a very easy telltale sign that you are dealing with a leak somewhere in your home. Your meter should stop once you shut off your water.
3. You Smell Mold
You likely won’t spot mold or mildew in your daily life. It can grow hidden behind your walls or even in the dark corners of your home. Because of this, you might not notice it until you can smell it. You will likely begin to notice a musty odor eventually. If you begin smelling mold, it is a very good indicator that you are dealing with a leak that is causing excess moisture buildup somewhere in your home. If you don’t spot an obvious source, it is likely a hidden leak.
4. Warping and/or Bubbling
Having warped walls or bubbling in your ceiling isn’t something that is normal. Typically excess moisture is the cause of these issues. Therefore, if you notice that your walls have begun to warp or your ceilings are bubbling, you are likely dealing with an undetected leak.
What Should You Do About It?
If you begin to spot any of these signs in your home, you will want to be certain that your first step is calling a professional plumber. A professional plumber will have the experience and expertise to pinpoint the exact location of the leak and they will be able to correct the issue efficiently.