Well-functioning plumbing systems can translate into more efficient chores. The water is clear, which is ideal for laundry, and you don’t get to hear the drip-drip of the faucets each night. There are also no annoying noises like the swirling sound of a toilet that can indicate a problem.
However, there are times when the water becomes discolored when you’re trying to take a bath. Staying ahead of these issues can prevent a catastrophe from happening, and if you’re able to do leak detection before it becomes an emergency, then you can make sure that the integrity of the water system will remain intact. Some of the signs that you need to watch out for are the following:
1. A Sudden Spike in your Water Bill
After receiving your utility bill, you might be shocked by the huge amount that you’re required to pay for the month. For context, this can be a 500% increase that seems like a swimming pool addition, but this isn’t the case at all. Many homeowners realize that their usage remains the same, so the cause of this higher amount would be a damaged pipe.
If you want to know if there’s a problem, you need to check your water meter. Turn off every faucet in your home and see if it continues to run. When this is the case, the water is being diverted and lost elsewhere, and you might want to hire the professionals with cameras to detect which part of the pipe network needs fixing.
The water will simply not arrive at its intended destination, so some of the faucets may have reduced pressure. See what’s going on when you rely on the experts who will check the root cause of the problem. Know more about what they do when you go to this page here.
2. Discolored Walls that Indicate Mold
Some may find that damp patches on the ceilings are present, and they are actually mold. This is a huge indicator that water has infiltrated the area, which is bad news. At first, they appear as brownish stains that are generally darker than the surrounding area, especially if the wall paint is white. It’s a clear indication that the water has already seeped into the structural material, which causes it to deteriorate.
Avoid the ceiling from collapsing by addressing the cause of the moisture. It could be a leak in one of the pipes that caused the wallpaper to swell. Peeling paint will mean that the adhesion is starting to dislodge, and this is where homeowners should start to investigate.
3. Musty Odors and Mold Growth
When you see greenish spores of mold within the walls, it will suggest that the water is accumulating somewhere where it shouldn’t be. Repairing the pipes with the holes can save you lots of money by avoiding expensive renovations, and you can also remove the mildew that can be a health hazard to other occupants of the home.
What’s more, a musty odor can also be an indication of mold and excess moisture. Fungi often thrive in dark environments that are also damp, and they can spread quickly. For those who have asthma or have elderly people in the home, it’s best to clear these areas from mold to avoid triggering coughing episodes. Find out more about mold when you visit this web address: https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/mildew.
Check any unusual spots in the home, like the baseboards or the areas behind the furniture, that can indicate leaks. It’s also best to get a thorough assessment from a professional plumbing company that will use thermal imaging tools or moisture meters to make sure that everything is fine. Address the mildew infestation early on to maintain a healthier indoor environment by getting help from professionals.
They will tighten any loose connections or apply a sealant to small cracks to prevent the water from escaping. Replacing the damaged sections of the pipe with the new ones will also be an option, especially if the leak is too severe.
4. Unexplained Puddles in Various Rooms
When you find standing water unexpectedly in one of the rooms where it shouldn’t be, it could be because of a hole somewhere in the network of pipes that run inside the home. Other plumbers will check around the toilet or near your water heater for any suspicious puddles. While some may think that they are only natural because of condensation, too much water can be a sign of the problem.
This is going to cause warping on wooden floors or result in soft spots developing on the ceilings. If you leave everything unchecked, you can weaken the foundation of the home over time, where the water can seep underneath. Catch this kind of problem early on so you can address the leaks that may cause irreversible damage to your floors.
Also, know that when the surrounding vegetation near your sewers is unusually green, it can be a leaky pipe. The bacteria from the septic can cause healthy grass growth, and this is where you might need early intervention before doing costly excavation work.
5. Sounds of Running Water When No Fixtures Are in Use
Others might report hearing strange noises when they’re not using the kitchen or the bathroom. Any hissing sounds can be a sign that a pipe is about to burst. If you’re not using the faucets but continue to hear running water, this can suggest that the water is going somewhere else.
You need to listen carefully at night, especially during the times when the house is really quiet, and detect subtle signs of leaks. Continuous gurgling can be present behind the crawl spaces, so you need further inspection to confirm. Ignoring them, especially in older homes, will result in extensive damage, so be careful with this.
Also, a banging noise when you’re turning off the faucets may indicate differences in pressure that are caused by a leaky pipe. You need to call a professional and licensed plumber to avoid long-term damage and to make sure that everything is in good condition.