A plumbing leak isn’t always visible. Some leaks start slowly, keeping you from noticing them for weeks. Others can happen immediately, flooding a portion of your home. If you think you have a leak or want to prepare in case you do in the future, below are several warning signs of plumbing problems.

How Can You Spot a Hidden Plumbing Leak?

1. Mold & Mildew

Having some mildew in your shower is normal, as water will accumulate after much use. However, if you see mold and mildew on the bathroom walls outside your shower, this is concerning, as the growth can cause health problems and weaken the structural integrity of the room. The issue happens when condensation collects on the inside of these walls, usually because of a leak.

2. Increased Water Bills

Higher than normal water bills are an obvious sign of a plumbing leak. If you receive your invoice and it is significantly higher than average, compare it to last month’s bill so that you can see the difference in water usage. Then, look for wet spots around your house, as well as outside.

3. Stained Ceilings

When water pipes in the ceiling leak, they cause brown or yellow spots to form on the ceiling. This is due to the water rotting the building materials, and it is a significant problem. If you see any of these spots, contact a plumber to investigate. Without this, you risk a partial ceiling collapse, which is more costly than fixing the pipes.

4. Musty Smells

Another apparent sign of a leaking water pipe is a musty smell circulating throughout the house. While this could be due to an HVAC issue, it frequently shows that mold and mildew are building up somewhere in the house due to water. If the smell is the strongest in one area, have a plumber inspect it to diagnose the issue.

5. Wet Yard

When the weather is beautiful, and you haven’t had rain in a few days, yet you still see puddles in your yard, you may have a leaky pipe. To verify this, shut off all the water in your house and check your water meter to see if it’s running. If it is, there is a leak somewhere in your system, usually from the main water line.

 

If you think you have a plumbing leak, contact Martin Plumbing for an inspection and repair. They have been proudly serving the Crossville, TN, area for over 25 years. This family-owned business provides prompt and professional service for all of your plumbing needs. They also have a 24-hour emergency line for issues outside of regular business hours. Call (931) 484-0866 to schedule an appointment.