Plumbing leaks in your Taylors, SC home can wreak havoc and cause costly damage. Often hidden behind walls, under floors, and in ceilings, plumbing pipes can leak silently for some time before you notice the destruction. Whether they’re slow drips or full-blown bursts, the silent leaks require immediate intervention to prevent extensive repair work, expensive restoration and cleaning, and replacing your personal belongings. Let’s explore ways to spot plumbing leaks and how our expert plumbers at Viper Services can help.
Spot the Signs of a Plumbing Leak
Detecting plumbing leaks early requires an understanding of what to look for. With vigilance, you may be able to spot leaks when they start and minimize the damage to your home and budget.
Low Water Pressure
It’s not uncommon to notice low water pressure when you have multiple taps running at the same time. Consider the lower flow when you try to shower while the washer runs. However, if you’re trying to run water and are certain no other faucets or fixtures are using water at the same time, you may have a water leak. If water leaks from the pipes, you may not receive enough water at the faucet, resulting in lower pressure.
Running Water Sounds
If you hear running water, make sure all faucets are off. Continued running water noises, especially when you hear them in hidden areas where water pipes run through the house, may indicate a leak. You might be able to listen closely and find the general area of the leak, pointing our plumbers in the right direction for faster repairs when you call us in.
Spikes in Water Consumption
A sudden, unexplained surge in your water consumption may indicate a dramatic leak in your plumbing system. Pay attention to your water bill, and watch for heavier water usage. If you haven’t recently filled your backyard pool or used large amounts of water for your garden, you might have a leak. Even small drips from the pipes can lead to hundreds of gallons of wasted water that you have to pay for.
Visible Water Damage
Spotting water damage is a sure sign of a leak in your home’s plumbing system. Look at the ceilings, walls, or floors, especially in areas where you know you have pipes. Some subtle signs of water damage include yellow or brown stains, peeling paint or wallpaper, and warped flooring. You might also see bulging ceilings due to water building up and pushing against the ceiling material.
Mold and Mildew Growth
Mold and mildew thrive in moist environments. Spotting mold and mildew in areas you expect to be dry may indicate a plumbing leak. Musty odors in the area can also be a sign of mold growth that you cannot see, such as behind the wall or underneath the flooring.
Wet Spots in the Yard
If you find unexplained wet areas in your yard or see especially lush areas of the lawn, you could have a sewer leak. These areas might be a sign that your sewage lines are leaking outside your home. Although not directly harming your home, sewage leaks can lead to eventual backups and clogs, leaving you with unsanitary conditions.
How to Respond When You See Signs of a Leak
If you spot any signs that could indicate a plumbing leak on your property, take action immediately. You can take a few measures on your own to check if you aren’t certain, but you should immediately call us for plumbing repairs when you find a leak. Look below for a few steps you can take to verify plumbing leaks.
Read the Meter
Turn off all water fixtures, and check the water meter. Keeping everything off and not running any water, check the meter again in an hour or two. If the meter has changed, you might have a leak somewhere.
Check Your Toilets
The first step is to remove the lid and check if the flapper at the bottom of the tank is securely in place. If it is, flush, and make sure it returns to its proper position and forms a tight seal. If everything still looks good, then check the water level in the bowl to see if it lowers over time. If so, there may be a leak in a hidden pipe, from a loose bolt or from a crack in the porcelain.
Check Areas Around Water Lines
Inspect the areas around water lines that are visible to the naked eye. Check for dampness or pooled water. Look for corrosion on the connected fixtures where they should be dry.
Look and Listen
Look around for dripping water and water damage from time to time. Check for discoloration, warping, or organic growth. With all fixtures off, listen for running water noises. If you hear running water behind the wall but all faucets are off, water may be leaking from the lines before reaching the tap.
Why Call Our Plumbers Right Away?
No matter how slow the drips, plumbing leaks require immediate intervention. Without it, you could end up with catastrophic damage.
Prevent Structural Damage
Over time, water can weaken the materials that make up your home. They include wood, drywall, and the foundation of your house. The leaking water can lead to sagging floors, warped walls, sagging ceilings, and a structurally unstable home.
Prevent Mold and Mildew
Mold growth may start quickly and spread even faster. Mold causes damage to your home’s materials, looks unsightly, and can cause serious health problems. Removing mold can cost a small fortune, and you may have to complete major renovations and pay experts for cleanup.
Protect Your Belongings
As water continues to leak, your belongings are at risk. Furniture, electronics, and other personal possessions can be destroyed by water damage. Replacing these items may cost much more than the cost of immediate plumbing repairs.
Save on Water Bills
Leaking water causes an increase in water consumption that you can see on your water bill. Even small leaks can cause you to waste hundreds of gallons of water each month and lead to significant increases in your water bill.
Call Us at the First Sign of a Plumbing Leak
Plumbing leaks, no matter how big or small, can cause catastrophic damage to your home and belongings and lead to a significant increase in your water bill. If you spot signs of a leak, even if you aren’t certain, give us a call. At Viper Services, we have professional plumbers who fully understand your plumbing system and can find leaks quickly. We’ll make skilled repairs to stop the leak and the damage the water causes. We use quality parts and materials and have advanced equipment to find and repair leaks. Our plumbers are available for emergency repairs and routine services such as drain cleaning and leak detection. We can help with upgrades and renovations as well.
If you suspect a plumbing leak in your Taylors, SC home, give Viper Services a call right away. Our professional and knowledgeable plumbers will conduct thorough leak detection services, find the problem, and make repairs.
