According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average family of four wastes approximately 11,000 gallons of water each year just through leaks. That's over 1,800 times running your dishwasher or 280 loads of laundry! If you take ten minute showers, that's 523 trips to the bathroom! Water waste is a big (and often expensive) deal. Luckily, it's also something you can fight against.
Fixing leaks is a job for a trusted, trained plumber. Finding leaks, however, is something any homeowner can handle. You just need to know where to start. Here are six signs you have a hidden plumbing leak in your home-and how to find it.
An unexplained increase in your water bill.
When water bills fluctuate, there's usually a reason why. Maybe your children are home from college for winter break. Maybe you've become addicted to taking luxurious baths. If you can't pinpoint a reason for your bill increase, however, then you probably have a hidden leak somewhere. Even little leaks can waste a surprising amount of water!
Mold spots have started appearing on your walls.
If mold or mildew has begun to appear anywhere in your home, it's because there's trapped moisture within your walls. If there's suddenly trapped moisture within your walls, it's probably because one of your pipes is leaking. When you see mold stains on your walls, there's probably a leaking pipe somewhere nearby.
Your water meter tells you so.
If you suspect there's a leak in your home but you want more proof before you call the pros, check your water meter. Look for your water meters just outside the perimeter of the home, underneath a small covering. To verify a leak, make sure no one in your home has used any water for at least thirty minutes. Check the meter. If it's showing activity when you're sure no one is using water, then you have a definite leak.
Flooring is beginning to sag or warp.
A warped floor is a physical symptom of an underlying leak. If your floor looks like it's sinking or sagging, it's time to call your plumber-and fast. The faster you get help, the faster you can stop the problem before it gets any worse.
Something smells funny.
Mold doesn't just have a look, it has a smell. If you notice an especially musty smell anywhere in your home, there's a problem. If you notice a smell and one of these other problems, then you definitely have a hidden leak.
The fittings around your toilet or tub are loose.
Most hidden plumbing leaks involve pipes that are inside walls. They're not the only unnoticeable leak you can face, however. Sometimes the seals that hold your toilet or tub to the floor get loose. Moisture and water from these hydro-heavy fixtures can drip down into the flooring below, causing sagging and other trouble.
Any one of these signs could mean you have a hidden leak inside your home. If you notice more than one, then you almost certainly have a hidden leak. If you think you have a hidden leak, you should get professional help right away. The faster you fix the leak, the less trouble it can cause.
Call The Pink Plumber with your leak troubles any time. We'll find your leak and fix it no matter where it's hiding.
