A plumbing leak can be one of the hardest issues to spot. It could occur anywhere in the home and start so slowly it may be too subtle to find until it is too late and extensive damage has been done. With some leaks, you may be fortunate and be able to spot them early, particularly if they are in an accessible place, but for the pipes that are well-hidden, a leak can continue wasting water and damage your home.
To help protect your house and your water bills from a leak in the home, look out for these five signs that may indicate that you have a plumbing leak.
- Increased mould or mildew
Mould and mildew occur when there is damp. In the bathroom, it is expected for mildew or mould to develop. Mildew occurs in warm temperatures when there is moisture present, which makes your bathroom a prime location. If you are noticing excessive mould or mildew formation or perhaps it has begun to grow somewhere new, then the chances are that this is due to a leak.
If it is starting to form in the corners on the floor or ceiling, then it could be a sign of a leaking pipe.
- Increased water bill
One of the leading causes for concern in the home is when bills start to rise. If you’ve noticed a dramatic leap in your water bill, then this could show that there is a leak. It is normal for there to be fluctuations in your water bill throughout the seasons. For example, you may use more water during summer for watering the garden.
If you think your bills have gone up dramatically, compare your statement to the same time last year, if it is still different, then it may be time to check for a leak.
- Cracks in walls and foundations
Water is incredibly powerful and can quickly cause cracks in the walls and ceiling. When water leaks out from pipes, it will try and find a path of least resistance to take to escape. Leaking water weakens the structure of the building including the foundations and can cause costly repairs.
For new homes, cracks can appear as the house begins to settle but if it is a new issue or is frequently happening, it may be time to call a plumber.
- Running meter
If you suspect a leak, then a great way to check is by monitoring your water meter. Make sure to switch all of the running water systems off in your home, then watch the meter. If it continues to tick over, then that means water is being used somewhere and that it is likely to be a leak.
- Musty smell
If damp occurs for an extended period of time, then it begins to leave a musty smell. After cleaning a room and scrubbing away any mould or mildew present, there is still a musty or unpleasant smell; this may be as a result of a leak. When cleaning rooms that smell musty, look out for wet patches or unusually damage such as bubbles on the wall or stained flooring, all of these are tell-tale signs of a leaking pipe.
Got a leak?
If you suspect there is a water leak in your home, then call ASAP plumbers. We are a London-based plumbing company. Our team are available 24/7 for emergencies so if you have a plumbing concern then pop your details in our contact form or call us on 0203 441 6626.
