Water leaks are no small matter because they can potentially lead to big problems. Higher water bills, biological growth, and property damage are a few common problems caused by water leaks. One leaking faucet can increase a water bill by 10% each month. This may not seem substantial to some; however, the accumulative effect over a one-year period can be monumental.
The national average that homeowners spend on water damage restoration is $3,455. Costs can be higher if the damage is substantial or if there must be remediation for biological growth. To avoid being negatively impacted by water leaks in your home, you will need to watch for the following signs that a leak is present.
Dripping Faucet
This is among the most obvious signs that a leak is present. If you turn your knobs tight and you still see water dripping from the faucet, you have a leak. Leaking faucets are often the result of bad washers or wear and tear that necessitates a new faucet.
A Toilet That Runs Often
If you are not using your toilet but it runs periodically and then shuts off, your toilet has a leak. Plumbers refer to this problem as a phantom flush, and it is when water is slowly leaking from the tank into the toilet bowl. Phantom flushes are the result of a bad flapper or bad flapper seat.
Pooling Water
If you notice that water is pooling around pipes or fixtures such as your toilet or water heater, this is a sure sign of a leak. Have a plumber check to see if there are cracks or corroded spots to make the determination of what must be done next to fix this issue.
Floors Are Changing Shape
If you notice that your floors are changing shape, such as buckling or feeling spongy, you have a leak beneath them. Pipes in the floors that have cracks cause these kinds of leaks.
Stains on the Ceiling
If you notice any brown or yellow stains on your ceiling that keep expanding, this means that a pipe is leaking. These pipe leaks are either the result of a pipe that freezes or cracks because of corrosion or wear and tear.
You Notice a Musty Smell
If the air in your home smells musty, a leak is present somewhere. A plumber will need to come and locate the leak by using leak detection technology.
Your Water Bill Suddenly Increases
If your water usage has remained stable and you notice a sudden increase in your water bill, you have a leak somewhere in your home. If you do not notice any outward signs of a leak, have a plumber come to check for silent leaks.
Now that you know the signs of a leak, it is important that you act quickly when you notice them to avoid any further damage or financial loss. To ensure that water leaks do not harm your property in Waldorf, MD, contact A Better Plumber for our state-of-the-art leak detection services today.
