5 Signs of a Plumbing Leak

A plumbing leak can be a homeowner's worst nightmare, causing not only inconvenience but also potentially significant damage to your property. Often, these leaks go undetected until they become a major issue, leading to extensive repairs and hefty bills. As a responsible homeowner, you must watch out for the early warning signs of a plumbing leak. Let's explore the top five signs that can indicate a plumbing leak in your home.

1. Musty Odors

Water leaks can happen inside cupboards, behind fixtures such as faucets, and in other unexpected places. If left unchecked, water can degrade wooden materials, drywall, and other construction materials, which creates a musty odor.

Sewer scents might also indicate a drainage problem. If the drain trap is empty or the ventilation line is damaged, sewer gas might enter a home. The vent typically permits sewer gas to flow outdoors, while the trap forms a "water plug" as a barrier against sewer odors. If any of these components fail, you must contact a specialist immediately.

2. Water Damage

A plumbing leak can wreak havoc on the ceilings, walls, and paint. When humidity and water from a plumbing breach collect beneath the wall and paint, the adhesive properties of the paint degrade, causing the paint to swell or peel off or any coatings to become loose. Moisture damage can also discolor ceilings and walls, cause textiles or tiles to loosen, and cause wallpaper to show symptoms of damage or flaking.

Furthermore, drywall subjected to moisture can soften and bubble, gradually distorting and splitting into pieces. A plumber might have to remove the drywall to repair the leak, which may necessitate someone patching and painting after the plumber finishes their work.

3. Low Water Pressure

When water emerges from the distribution system in places it shouldn't, it may lead to drops in water pressure in several places across your home.

If the water flow is consistently low, rather than only while another faucet is in use or the sprinklers are activated, it's a warning sign that your plumbing has developed a leak. Low water pressure combined with bubbling wall paint is a worrying indicator of an internal leak which you should handle as soon as possible.

4. Increased Water Expenses

Water costs can rise for many reasons, but a leak in the pipes is one of the most prevalent. A plumbing leak may allow water to pour out continuously, resulting in a spike in water expenditures.

A running toilet constitutes one of the most prevalent causes of an increase in your water bill. When the shutoff valve is open, toilets may consume over 100 gallons of water, and a single leaking toilet might waste a significant amount of water expenses.

If you see an increase in water consumption as the summer approaches, it might be from sprinklers or refilling a pool, so don't rush to conclusions when you examine your account during these peak usage periods. Rather than analyzing monthly utility bills, check how your water usage compares year to year.

5. Floor Damage

Discoloration in lines on the grout, floor, or tiles is a common indicator of a plumbing leak. Also, tiles peeling all at once, buckles, cracks, or any other damage on your tiles induced by water and sensations of a soft and spongy floor when you walk on it can also highlight a plumbing leak. If you can pull up a tile from the floor, this indicates that the harm caused is particularly significant.

A rocking toilet is one of the primary sources of floor damage. A wobbly toilet develops when the seal that protects the bottom deteriorates, which allows water to seep beneath the tank's surface and onto the floor.

If you notice a plumbing leak, don't wait to take action. Blue Plumbing and Drain Cleaning, the premier plumbers in Utah County, UT, can help. Contact us today and let our licensed plumbers handle your plumbing concerns for you.