Movies and TV shows often depict leaks for comedic effect: powerful streams of water bursting from a broken faucet with the strength of a fire hose. In reality, leaks can be much more subtle, and their effect on your home and bank account is anything but comedic. Some leaks can remain hidden for quite some time and aren’t revealed until extensive water damage has already been done.
If you’re worried that your home has a hidden leak, keep reading to learn more about 5 ways that leaks can give themselves away, even when they’re not visible.
Already 99% sure your home has a hidden leak? Trust the leak detection experts at EZ Flow Plumbing to find and solve the source of the issue.
1. Your water bill is unusually high without explanation.
Generally, your water bill tends to stay consistent throughout the year as long as the same number of people live in your household year round. The bill might be higher during certain times of the year, such as summer, when your lawn may require more watering than it does in cooler months. However, if you notice a rise in your water bill that you can’t explain, it’s an indicator that there’s a hidden leak somewhere in your home.
2. You hear running water.
One of the biggest signs that you have a water leak is the sound of rushing water when no plumbing fixtures are on and when no water-using appliances are running. If you hear running water in your walls when no water is being used anywhere in your home, locate your home’s main water shut-off valve, shut off your water supply, and contact a plumber at once.
3. Your home smells musty.
Hidden leaks often occur in dark spaces, such as behind walls or under carpeting. Incidentally, darkness and moisture can create an ideal breeding environment for mold or mildew. If you start to smell mildew or the scent of rotting wood or stagnant water around your home, it’s a fair bet that a leak is the culprit.
4. You find wet spots around your home.
The wet spots usually show up as moist areas in your carpeting. If your home has a basement level, puddles on the floor could indicate a slab leak. Outside, unexplainable puddles or lush, green patches in your yard often mean that there’s a leak in your sewer line or main water line.
5. You have stains, bubbles, or condensation on your walls/ceiling.
Stains or condensation on your walls or ceiling are both major signs of a hidden leak. Also, drywall (AKA. sheetrock) is very absorbent, and as it takes on more water from a leak behind a wall, it will start to bubble, swell, or warp. If you see this happening in your home, don’t wait to contact a plumber before the water damage spreads.
Whenever you suspect a leak, it is important that you call a professional plumber right away. If left untouched, it could develop into a plumbing emergency. Contact EZ Flow Plumbing’s licensed, insured, and bonded plumbing team for leak detection.