When most people think of leaking, they think of a dripping faucet or a broken washing machine. It is natural to think about such leaks because these are appliances that we are familiar with. But what about the leaks that go unnoticed in our walls, floors, and ceilings? The most dangerous type of leak is a hidden leak. They can go undetected for long periods and cause far more damage than a clogged drain or a leaking faucet. Here is how to find hidden water leaks in your home and act before they can cause any serious trouble.
Watch For Obvious Signs Of Leakage
There are always signs of a leak. The thing is that sometimes the signs are apparent, and sometimes they are more subtle. The main reasons why you should keep your eyes and ears(and nose) open are the following:
- Patches of discoloration on your walls. This might be caused by water seeping under the drywall and soaking through to the front side. Water stains on walls and ceilings are often greenish or brown in hue.
· Paint that is dripping or wallpaper that is bulging. Both are indications that the wall itself is a bit damp and that the paint or wallpaper is no longer securely adhered to it.
- There is a sound of constant dripping. If you can hear water dripping or running inside your walls constantly, that may be an indication that there is a leak.
- An odd musty odor. Leaking can create a damp environment where mold can thrive. You may observe black splotches on the exterior of the wall in certain circumstances, but mold commonly grows within the wall where you can’t see it, but you can smell it.
If you notice any of the issues described above, please contact a professional right away. Even if it’s a minor issue, as previously stated, if left unattended, these problems can turn into a catastrophe.
Keep A Close Eye On Your Water Bill
We’ll look at some less obvious signs that signify that you have hidden water leaks in your home. Hidden water leaks are sometimes only visible indirectly. They can happen because of a broken pipe in your wall or a faulty water heater. If you pay close attention to your water bill, you may be able to detect a hidden leak. Examine all of your recent water bills to check for any irregularities. It could indicate a plumbing problem if your bill has increased despite not having changed any of your habits. However, you can’t rely on this method entirely because a leak can be small enough that it doesn’t raise your bill even though it is slowly wreaking havoc.
Check Out The Water Meter
Paying attention to your water meter is another method for detecting hidden water leaks. To begin, turn off the water supply to your entire house. None of your home appliances should be turned on while doing this. After that, keep an eye on the meter to see if it starts moving. If you notice it doing so, it means there is a leak. It would help if you watched the meter for a couple of hours to ensure it wasn’t a fluke. If the water meter continues to rise, you should contact a professional as soon as possible to avoid a plumbing emergency. Examining your water meter is more reliable than checking your water bill. However, just like checking the bill, the leak can be so small that a water meter cannot detect it.
How To Find Water Leaks In Your Toilet
Another fairly common source where you can find hidden water leaks in your home happens in the toilet. A leaking toilet may waste hundreds of gallons of water, which means it can waste a lot of money. However, you can use one cost-effective trick to see if this is happening to you. First, remove the lid from the tank and add a few drops of food coloring to the tank. Allow the coloring to soak in the water for about half an hour. When you come back to check, and your toilet contains colored water, you have a leak.
Fortunately, these sorts of leaks are often fixed by changing the flapper. However, this issue may sound insignificant, but it can point to other more significant problems in your bathroom. That can be a big problem if you consider that most home floods start in the bathroom.
If you notice that your bathroom has become flooded, we recommend that you call a plumber as soon as possible. Calling a plumber should be your main preoccupation, but calling furniture movers in NYC should be a close second. By hiring professionals, you will be able to save some pieces from damage and minimize the damage of the flood. Of course, bear in mind that some of your items will simply be damaged beyond repair. That’s why it’s always better to act in due time and find hidden water leaks in your home before they get a chance to cause any serious damage.
Keep An Eye Out For Underground Water Leaks
When we talk about how to find hidden water leaks in your home, we must also mention leaks outside of the house. If you discover that one part of your yard is softer than others, or if you detect black blotches on your yard, this can indicate a problem. Outdoor water leaks may be costly to fix, so it’s important to know what to check for. Look for any irregularities in the consistency of the soil around your house. You may also check around your driveway and street to see if there is any odd water movement. Water flow does not have to be a continuous stream of water for you to take notice. Even puddles that seem out of place may signal a subsurface leak. Contact your local water or utility provider immediately if you suspect an underground leak. It’s best to prevent a problem while there’s still time.
