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If you’ve had to deal with a plumbing leak, you know what a hassle it can be. With results ranging from inconvenience to devastation, a plumbing leak is not something you should take lightly. It’s easy to take action quickly when you know something is wrong, but what about when you don’t know a plumbing leak is occurring? Here, Bewley Plumbing looks at the unseen hazards of hidden plumbing leaks, the damage they can cause, and signs that can indicate hidden leaks to help you better protect your McKinney, Texas, home or business.
The Silent Threat – Hidden Plumbing Leaks
While some plumbing leaks are visible, others may go unnoticed for long periods, allowing the water damage to accumulate. Like all plumbing leaks, hidden leaks can worsen over time.
Unfortunately, water damage is not uncommon. According to the Insurance Information Institute, “About one in 60 insured homes has a property damage claim caused by water damage or freezing.”
The following are a few ways water damage can affect your home:
- Rust metal and rot wood.
- Structural damage, such as damage to ceilings, floors, walls, and foundations
- Damage to electrical components, which can cause fires.
- Harmful mold growth, which can cause health problems and even be fatal.
If you don’t know a water leak is occurring, you won’t know to contact a plumbing professional to have it repaired. This is why looking for the signs of hidden plumbing leaks is crucial.
Common Types of Hidden Leaks
Some common places where hidden leaks can occur include the following areas. Please note that this list is not necessarily conclusive:
- Behind walls
- Under basement slabs
- Under your lawn
- In ceilings
- Under floors
Consequences of Undetected Leaks
When leaks go undetected, they can cause a variety of problems.
The following are a few issues you may encounter if you have undetected leaks on your property.
Increased Water Bills
If a water leak occurs in a pipe leading to a faucet or appliance, the wasted water can increase water bills.
Water Damage
Whether the water damage is visible or not, it can devastate buildings. The longer a leak lasts, the more damage it can do.
Mold Growth
As mold requires moisture, a pipe leak presents a perfect opportunity for it to grow. While not all mold is dangerous, some types can lead to severe sickness. People with compromised immune systems or asthma can be particularly susceptible to dangerous mold.
Attracts Pests
Indoor areas that are moist, dark, and warm are highly attractive to pests. Pests can spread harmful bacteria and diseases.
Electrical Danger
The following are several ways water can affect your electrical system.
- Short-Circuiting: Water can damage your home’s electrical systems. For example, water can cause short circuits to occur, causing lights to flicker and even lose power in sections of your house.
- Electrical Fires: Water can not only damage your electrical systems, but it can also create dangerous situations. Water can cause wires to overheat, making electrical fires a risk.
- Electrocution Risk: If someone comes into contact with water-damaged appliances or electrical outlets, they risk electrocution.
Signs You May Have a Hidden Plumbing Leak
If you don’t know that a water leak is occurring, you won’t be able to have it repaired. It is important to be on the lookout for signs of a hidden plumbing leak so that you can get a professional to stop them before they worsen.
Mold or Mildew
Water leaks can lead to the appearance of potentially hazardous mold and mildew. These leaks cause the moisture levels to increase in your home, making a suitable environment for mold to grow. Some of the main causes of mold growth include ceiling, attic, or inside interior wall leaks. When you encounter mold, it is important to contact a plumber immediately, as it can cause health problems and even be fatal.
A Musty Smell
A musty smell like that of wet paper may be the first indication a water leak is occurring. This is particularly true when the musty smell is accompanied by a humid feeling in that room. A musty smell can also indicate mildew growth.
Uneven Floors
Water damage to floors may cause them to change shape. Some changes to the flooring may include soft or spongy spots, bulging, buckling, warping, sinking, and sagging.
Less Water Pressure
One of the potential causes of low water pressure is a leaky pipe. If you notice a sharp drop in water pressure when other fixtures aren’t being used, it is a potential sign of a leak.
Pipes have Rust
Rust and corrosion can eventually lead to leaks. Replacing rusty pipes before leaks occur is a great way to be proactive in preventing leaks.
Walls Bulge or Have Wall Paper Come Off
Bulging walls or peeling wallpaper can indicate water leaks behind a wall.
Discolored Water
Brown, yellow, or rust-colored water from faucets may indicate a water leak.
Concentrated Lawn Growth
If you have thick grass or vegetation growth in a particular area in your yard, it could indicate an underground water leak.
Wet Spots on Your Lawn
As with concentrated growth in a lawn, wet spots can also indicate an under-the-lawn water leak.
Ceilings Sag
Even a small pipe leak can lead to a sagging ceiling over time. Sometimes, a sagging ceiling can be obvious, or it could be more subtle.
Unexpectedly Higher Water Bills
A water bill spike can indicate an unseen water leak. However, it could be caused by other variables, such as an increase in your home’s occupancy or water usage.
Unusual Noises
The sound of running water when fixtures are turned off can indicate a leak. Loose waterline fittings or mounts can cause leaks and are indicated by rattling or vibration noises.
Pavement has Cracks or Bulges
If paved areas, such as driveways or walkways, have cracks or bulges, it may be due to underground water leaks.
Water Spots on Ceilings
Seeing a water spot on a ceiling may be caused by a leaking pipe or a rain leak.
Cracks Appear
Cracks quickly forming in wall corners, paint, or plaster are commonly linked to persistent behind-the-wall moisture or flooding-related structural issues.
Importance of Timely Leak Detection and Repair
The quicker a leak is detected and repaired, the better. Over time, the negative effects of unchecked leaks can accumulate, resulting in more problems.
By repairing a leak promptly, you accomplish the following:
- Save money on your water bill
- Prevent damage from escalating
- Benefit the environment
- Help protect indoor air quality
How Bewley Plumbing Can Help
If you’re dealing with hidden plumbing leaks in McKinney, Texas, you want a plumbing company you can rely on. Since 1947, Bewley Plumbing has helped people with their plumbing issues. By utilizing plumbing leak detection technology, our knowledgeable workers can accurately locate leaks and repair them correctly. Contact us today to schedule service!