Watch Out for These Three Signs of a Hidden Water Leak!
Leaks are one of the most common plumbing problems homeowners face - and they can also be one of the most damaging to the home. But they aren't always as easy to spot as a dripping faucet or a geyser coming out of the front lawn. In some cases, a leaking water pipe can go weeks, months, or even years without being detected. And in the meantime, all that leaking water could be costing the homeowners a fortune and causing all sorts of problems, from mold growth to wood rot to foundation damage. So in this article, homeowners will find all they need to know to spot signs of a hidden leak!
The Sound of Running Water
The first to keep an eye out for - or rather, an ear - is the sound of running water coming from the walls, floors, or ceiling. This is normal when a fixture is used somewhere in the house, be it a shower, sink, washing machine, or anything else. But if no person or appliance is using water, that hissing or rushing sound may be water escaping through a broken water line, loose pipe fitting, or even a pinhole leak.
During a quiet part of the day, homeowners can make sure no appliances or fixtures use water, including outdoor hose bibs and irrigation systems, then listen carefully for that telltale sound. If a running water sound only appears periodically, it could also be a leaky toilet whose tank keeps refilling as water slowly drains out. However, if the sound is continuous, it may be time to call a plumber for water line leak repair.
Soggy Spots In the Yard
Another possible sign of a leaking water line is if a certain spot in the yard is perpetually soggy, muddy, or swampy. This is often due to an underground pipe leak releasing a constant water flow, saturating the surrounding area. This can be caused by several things, including tree roots, shifting soil, corrosion, or aging pipes.
This could also manifest as a patch of grass that tends to grow thicker, greener, or more rapidly than the grass in other parts of the yard. A particularly swampy or flooded patch likely indicates a serious leak that could be wasting hundreds of gallons per week, so it's best to address this as quickly as possible.
High Water Bills and Low Water Pressure
Other markers of a hidden leak are if the home's water pressure seems lower than before and if the monthly water bill is higher than usual. These symptoms often go hand in hand. Since a home's water lines are pressurized to deliver water quickly, even a slow leak can detract from the normal pressure as water escapes. And as all that water spills out, the water meter will continue to turn, driving up utility costs.
Depending on the leak's location, a reduction in water pressure could affect the entire home or only certain rooms and fixtures. Several other factors could also cause this, but if a suspiciously high water bill accompanies it, a hidden leak is the likely culprit. A simple way to test this is to take note of the number on the home's water meter dial, wait an hour or two (making sure no water is used for any reason), and check the number again. If it has changed, it's a sure bet there's a leak!
About Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service
The award-winning Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service has been proudly serving the Evansville community since 1920. They offer up-front pricing, budget-friendly solutions, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every call. Their clean, courteous, licensed, and insured experts are available 24/7 for emergency service, so don't hesitate to call Bud's for water leak repair in Evansville, IN!
