The plumbing system is tucked behind walls, above ceilings, and under floors to preserve the aesthetic appeal of your home. As a result, you may not be able to identify plumbing leaks until they’ve caused water damage to your property. To prevent this from happening, use the following three pointers to find leaks before it’s too late.

3 Signs You Have a Plumbing Leak

1. Mold or Mildew Growth

If you’ve been living with an inconspicuous plumbing leak for a few weeks, the steady drip might have encouraged mold growth. If you smell a musty, stale odor, check under the sinks and around the base of your toilet for damp areas. You may spot some black, green, or gray residue. In some cases, the fungus can even be lurking under your floorboards or tiles.

2. Unusually High Water Bills

Plumbing leaks aren’t just a threat to your home’s structural integrity—they can also hurt your wallet. Unfortunately, your water meter doesn’t know what you’re using and what’s leaking, so you’ll be charged for both. If you’ve noticed an unexplainable rise in your utility bills, you might be dealing with a hidden plumbing leak.

3. Wall & Ceiling Damage

From aging pipes to clogged drains, there are several reasons why a leak may have sprung inside the walls or above the ceilings. As the water pools, it may leave brown splotches on the drywall, which will be damp or spongy. If the water has saturated the wood framing behind the drywall, your walls may seem to swell. You may even notice the paint bubbling or peeling.

If you’ve recognized any of these red flags, contact the team at Kauai Maintenance & Construction in Hawaii. These professionals will locate and fix the hidden plumbing leak before it causes more damage. They also offer drywall repair, so they can restore the area to its former condition. View their full list of services online, or call (808) 635-5040 to request emergency assistance.