The source of some water leaks in your home, like a leaky faucet, is very obvious and therefore, easy to fix. But what about those leaks that are not as obvious and exist for days or even months? Before you can fix a problem, you have to know where it is. Because water leaks can cause a lot of damage, it is important to understand the signs of water leaks so you can identify and then fix them. If you live in Melbourne, visit https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/leak-detection-melbourne/ to find and fix your water leak quickly and easily.
Flooding and natural disasters are common and obvious causes of water damage. Other causes that are not obvious like pipe leaks can cause damage to your walls that you can’t see.
Damaged or Stained Walls
Many things can cause stains on your walls, especially in the bathroom, so they are not always signs of water damage. For instance, not having proper ventilation can stain your bathroom walls and ceiling. If there is no obvious reason for these stains, they could be a sign of a plumbing leak. More specifically, if the stains are copper, brown, or dark, there is probably a water leak. Drywall that is exposed to water will show cracks, bubbles, and cause sagging.
Musty Odors
When water accumulates for a period of time it starts to smell. It is not uncommon for bathrooms and basements to smell a little musty, but if the smell is strong or lasts for a while, this is a sign that you need to find out if you have a water leak. Additionally, if you notice odors from other rooms of your house, it would be a good idea to check these out too. You don’t want to ignore these signs as they can lead to the growth of mold that will not only damage your home but in some cases can affect the health of family members. Not all mold is visible so don’t assume it isn’t there if you can’t see it. Mold can grow from leaking water under carpeting and behind your walls. It is not unusual to see a little mold or mildew in the corners of bathroom tiles. You can and should clean this up using vinegar or bleach. If you see mold in other areas like your ceiling or other rooms in your home, you do need to do something to find out the reason for the mold which is probably a water leak that needs to be fixed.
Water Accumulation and Condensation
Seeing moisture in your bathroom after someone takes a shower is normal and not cause for concern as it will eventually dry. However, if you see water in other areas of your home like your basement, these are signs that you should pay attention to. If you see wet spots on your carpeted floor that are not a result of someone spilling something, you should keep an eye on them. If the spots do not go away or get larger, they require attention. Puddles of water in your basement, irregularities in your lawn, or soggy areas in your yard, are all signs you should investigate as they could be caused by a leaking water line outside your home.
Your Floors
It is normal to see a little water on your bathroom floor after someone takes a shower or bath. If you see stains, buckling, loose tiles, and cracked or peeled caulking, these can be signs of a more serious problem and indications that you have a water leak.
More Bugs than Usual
It is not uncommon to occasionally see a bug in your home. Some may sneak in when a door or window is open, and others can come in through cracks in screens. Certain bugs love moisture like silverfish, earwigs, and roaches. If you start seeing more bugs than usual, you probably have a water leak.
Less Money in Your Wallet
If you don’t pick up on any potential signs in or outside your home, you probably will take notice if your water bill is significantly higher than usual. Slight fluctuations in your bill are normal. For instance, if you have guests visiting for a week or so, you can expect your bill to be a little higher. If your bill is unusually high, check your toilets first as they are usually the culprits. You can try monitoring your water meter by turning off all your water and then checking the cash flow indicator.
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