Leaks in your pipes can be a major pain to deal with causing problems like water damage, mold growth, and even higher water bills. It’s something that all home owners in the Fraser Valley want to avoid. In this blog post, we will go over some of our top plumbing tips and tricks to detect a hidden leak in your plumbing system before it becomes a disaster.
Pay Attention to Unusual Water Bills
The most common indicator of hidden leaks in your plumbing system is higher than usual water bills. A higher water bill can mean that there is a leak somewhere in your plumbing system and would account for the unusual increase in water usage and higher water bill. Make sure to keep track of your past bills so you can compare to see if there is something out of the ordinary.
Check for Water Stains or Mold Growth
Water stains or discoloration on walls and ceilings often indicate the presence of a leak, especially if the stains appear after a period of rain or snowmelt in the Fraser Valley region. If you notice any spots that seem to be spreading or growing, this could be an indication of a slow leak. Mold growth is another sign to look out for. Mold thrives in damp conditions, and hidden leaks can provide the perfect environment for it to flourish. Keep an eye out for musty smells, especially in areas like bathrooms, basements, or crawl spaces.
Look for Increased Humidity or Dampness
A general sense of humidity or dampness in certain areas of the house, especially where plumbing runs through walls, floors, or ceilings, can point to a hidden leak. This might be subtle at first, so it’s important to take notice of any musty or wet odors that start to appear. Areas with poor ventilation, such as basements in Fraser Valley homes, are particularly susceptible to hidden leaks. If the humidity level in a room seems unusually high, consider using a hygrometer to measure it and compare it to the recommended levels.
Check Your Water Meter
One of the simplest ways to detect a hidden leak is by checking your water meter. First, turn off all the water in your home, including faucets, showers, and any appliances that use water, such as washing machines and dishwashers. Once everything is off, go to your water meter and note the reading. After an hour or so, check the meter again. If the reading has changed, you likely have a hidden leak somewhere in your plumbing system.
Inspect the Exterior for Wet or Soft Spots
Leaks don’t only happen inside your home – they can also appear outside. A leaky irrigation system, for example, might not be immediately visible, but you might notice wet patches or soft spots in your yard. These areas could be signs of leaking pipes buried underground. In Fraser Valley, where many homes have extensive outdoor irrigation systems, it’s a good idea to periodically inspect the ground around your lawn, garden, and driveway for unusual dampness or water pooling.
Consider Dues Plumbing & Heating
At Deus Plumbing & Heating, we specialize in Plumbing Diagnosis and Inspections, and we guarantee that we will find any hidden leaks that may be suspected in your plumbing system. Contact us today and let one of our professionals handle it.