How to Spot a Leaky Pipe

Swan Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Air

The last thing you want is a leaky pipe. Leaking pipes lead to water damage in your walls or floors, costing you money. They can also quickly turn into fully burst pipes which can flood large areas of your home. How can you stop a leaky pipe from ruining your home? Learn the warning signs of leaks and take action by calling the plumbing experts at Swan.

Signs You Have a Leaky Pipe:

Your Bills Have Gone Up: If you notice an increase in your water bill, but you have not been using any more water than usual, a leaky pipe may be the culprit. Water bills tend to be predictable so be aware of any sudden spikes.
Discoloration in Your Ceiling: If your ceilings are turning a rusty brown or yellow color there is a leak somewhere in your home. These stains are especially common in rooms below bathrooms. A little water spilling from the bath is not enough to create prominent discoloration spots on your ceiling. Only constant water dripping would create these issues. Call a plumber to inspect the area as soon as you notice this sign.
Mold or Mildew: Mold and mildew occur in wet areas. A small amount is normal inside your shower stall and is easily removed by regularly cleaning. If you are finding mold or mildew on non-shower walls or in corners of the bathroom, this is probably from a leak. Mold is not only a sign of a leak, but it is also dangerous to inhale. If you notice mold in your home, contact a plumber from SWAN.
Musty Smell: A common sign of a leaky pipe is a persistent damp smell. If you’re cleaning regularly and that musty smell just won’t go away, there may be a pipe leak somewhere in your home.
Peeling Wallpaper or Wet Walls: Water leaks will make wallpaper pull away from walls or make wall structures buckle. If you have a leaky pipe near a wallpapered section of the home, you will notice this pulling and bubbling. If your walls appear to be wet or buckling, this is also a sign of a leaky pipe. Your wall should be straight and show no signs of sagging or dampness.
Water Accumulation and Spongy Floors: This is the most apparent sign you have a leaky pipe in your home. If you see any water pooling around pipes, call a plumber immediately. When your floors feel spongy and soft to walk on then that is a sign of water damage. Floors should feel solid and secure, not soft and fragile.

Do not let a leaky pipe with minor damages escalate into a full-blown flood in your home. Look for signs of leaky pipes and contact a plumber immediately if you notice anything out of the ordinary. The faster you take care of a small leak, the more hassle you will avoid down the line. Call the experts at Swan today to schedule an appointment!