The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that over one trillion gallons of water are wasted every year due to leaking pipes. Need some perspective? The Hoover Dam, the biggest U.S. dam, holds 9 trillion gallons! You can begin to see how much water is being wasted each year. Could your household be adding to this water wastage? Leaking pipes are a common occurrence in many homes. Here are 8 early warning signs that you might have leaking pipes.
Don’t assume that an increased water bill means you’re consuming more water. It could be due to a water leak in your home. Water leaks add up fast because water is continually escaping. Even a small leak can add up over a few days. How do you test for a water leak? The easiest way is to check your water usage when no one is at home. All you have to do is record the water meter reading when you leave, and then again when you get back. If the reading has changed, you may have a leak.
Toilets are also big water leak culprits. Ever notice that faint sound of water trickling into your toilet bowl? This could be a small leak that can be fixed. If you suspect a water leak in your home, it may be time to call a professional plumber.
Have you noticed a moldy or musty smell in your home? Mold and mildew flourish around moisture. Apart from the bad odor, mold can be a major health hazard. It can cause upper respiratory issues such as asthma. In severe cases, it can lead to toxic black mold. The key to eliminating mold is to identify areas of moisture in your home. Bathrooms are a good place to start. They are a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Other culprits can include a leaking washer hose or a leaking pipe. If you have mold, you have a moisture problem, and it’s best to get your plumbing checked out.
Have you noticed a change in your water pressure lately? It could be due to a water leak. A leak means that less water is able to run through your pipes. That weak shower pressure could be because water is escaping. But before you draw any conclusions, make sure that no one else in the house is running water at the same time. Increased demand will lower your water pressure. If you’re the only one running water and the pressure is bad, you could have leaking pipes.
Peeling or blistering paintwork should be a cause for concern. Paint bubbling is most often caused by moisture. Peeling paintwork takes time to develop. If you notice peeling or blistering, it’s likely you’ve had a long-standing leak. It’s best to get in a local plumberin pronto to locate and fix your water leak.
We tend to look past small ceiling stains. But any discoloration on your ceiling could be a sign of a water leak. Keep in mind that these leaks mostly come from a hole in your roof. This means that repainting the ceiling won’t make the leak go away. A common ceiling leak culprit is an upstairs bathroom. If you have a water-stained ceiling beneath an upstairs bathroom, you could have a water leak. Don’t ignore these water stains and always make sure to maintain your bathroom plumbing.
Sagging ceilings are often caused by a leaky pipe or roof. If you notice some discoloration with your sagging ceiling, you’ve definitely got leaking pipes. Sagging ceilings shouldn’t be ignored. Over time, that can collapse, causing potential harm to you and your family. Get your local plumber in as soon as you notice a sagging ceiling.
Once you’ve looked up at your ceiling, you should look down at your floor. Notice a warped patch in your bathroom? Perhaps a small stain or soft spot? You could have a hidden leak coming from your toilet. What about your kitchen? Any loose tiles or consistently wet grouting? You could have a leak. Smelly carpets are another warning sign.
If you’ve been hearing strange noises coming from your house, it doesn’t mean you’re going mad. Noisy plumbing should be a cause for concern. If you can hear a rattling or a vibration, you could have a loose-fitting or pipe. This could be inflicting damage to the surrounding plumbing. It’s best to get in the professionals if you hear any strange plumbing noises.
Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric and their professional team of plumbers is ready to diagnose and fix your leaking pipes. Trusted by South Florida locals, the Art team offers prompt and professional service. By calling their emergency hotline, you’ll be able to get out a plumber in no time. Call Art today at 1-800-475-1504.