A water leak may seem like an unimportant plumbing issue, but it can actually cause some undesirable problems if it’s left unattended. Leaks can be costly in more ways than one, including in your utility bills and by causing significant water damage to your home. To help catch those leaks before they become an expensive issue, the team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Chardon, OH, has explained a few of the most common signs of a leak.

3 Early Signs of a Plumbing Leak

1. Running Meter

Your water meter only ticks when water is being used in the home, so this is an easy way to test for leaks. Turn off all the appliances that use water in your home, and don’t use them for an hour or so. Check the meter before and after this hour. If the meter has still been ticking during that time, then you know the cause is a leak in the home.

2. Mold

Mold and mildew thrive where there’s a water leak since they need moisture to survive. Look underneath your sinks and behind toilets for the musty odor and dark color of mold or mildew. It may also appear in dark patches on your ceilings or walls from the plumbing inside the wall.

3. Inexplicable Wet Spots

Wet spots are usually areas affected by a water leak before the mold and mildew start to grow. They most often occur in the areas around toilets, tubs, sinks, and along the floor. The damage from this wet spot will eventually impact the material the moisture is sitting on. For example, it will make drywall spongy to the touch and warp wooden floorboards.

If you worry you have leaky plumbing, the team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing will find and repair it before it becomes a serious issue. As part of their top-notch customer service, they offer flexible appointments and have a 24-hour emergency plumber available. Learn more about their plumbing services online, and call (440) 286-6002 to schedule an appointment with a skilled plumber today.