3 Unmistakable Signs of a Leaky Pipe

Research shows that leaky pipes waste up to 1 trillion gallons of water yearly, with ten percent of homes nationwide losing 90 gallons or more daily. When pipe leaks go unaddressed, you can sustain extensive water damage in your home.

Some leaks, such as loose water heater piping or dripping faucets, are easy to spot. However, leaks in the pipes beneath floors, behind walls, inside appliances, and other hidden spaces aren't easy to spot.

Below are some signs to look out for to detect leaky pipes as well as possible solutions.

1. Strange Noises and Low Water Pressure

Ideally, your home's plumbing should run quietly. So, when you hear a weird noise, like running or dripping water, that should concern you. Inspect any easy-to-access pipes for any dripping by looking for water puddles or wet spots on the floor. If you can't spot the source of the dripping sound, call a plumber for diagnosis.

Rattling noises can also indicate pipe leaks and mostly occur if you have a loose fitting in the lines. This type of leak can cause significant damage to your walls. Also, don't ignore hissing sounds after you turn off plumbing fixtures, as you might have an underground leak, a running faucet, or a leak in your ceiling.

In addition to the weird noises, leaky pipes cause low-flow issues when the cracks or holes in the pipe misdirect the water supply. Consequently, less water flows through the pipes. In all these instances, you should enlist a plumber to locate the leak and fix it before things worsen.

2. Stained Ceilings, Walls, and Floors

Leaky water pipes are largely to blame for drywall turning light brown or yellow. Cracked, peeling, and bubbling paint also indicate leaks in the pipes behind your walls. As you inspect your home for leaks, check wall edges and corners for wet spots. You may also notice discoloration on your ceiling due to moisture from the damaged pipes.

A leaky roof is mainly to blame for stained spots on the ceiling. Still, if you have a bathroom in an upper room and the ceiling below that room stains, the leak likely comes from the bathroom. Sadly, you only notice a stained ceiling after the damage occurs. If you don't act fast, the damp ceiling could sag and eventually collapse, which could result in injuries and costly repairs.

Similarly, if your bathroom floor stains, warps, or develops soft spots, a leak from a pipe underneath your floor or from the toilet could be the cause. Worse still, kitchen tiles may loosen, or your caulking may peel and crack due to moisture damage. Again, have a plumber locate the hidden leak and fix the pipes.

3. Mold and Mildew

Moisture creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth. So, when pipes develop slow leaks between walls, mold growth is inevitable. Mold may also grow on surfaces with condensation from leaky washing machine hoses and uninsulated pipes. If left untreated, mold can spread rapidly and ruin your ceilings, walls, and home studs.

In addition to being unsightly, mold can compromise the health of your household, especially if you have household members with allergies or respiratory issues. At the very worst, leaks can promote the growth of black mold, which is a very toxic substance that can cause muscle aches, panic attacks, depression, and other serious symptoms.

You should eliminate the mold quickly to prevent home damage and also safeguard your health. Where mold damage is extensive, enlist professionals with proper protective gear to clean the mold. Don't forget to fix the leaky pipes to eliminate moisture that favors mold growth.

If you spot any of the above signs, the plumbing experts at J&S Plumbing Inc. can fix your pipes. We have the expertise to handle all your plumbing problems, whether big or small, so don't hesitate to reach out.