Are you dealing with water leaks but not knowing what the signs of water leaks are? Don’t worry—start reading our list of different signs of water leaks.
If you hear “hiss” or “who’s” voices in your household or office pipes, it might be a sign of water leaks. But sometimes, it becomes difficult to find the leaking pipe. That’s why professional plumbers have advanced instruments that can detect the leaking spot quickly.
However, there are several signs of leaking pumps or pipes, more than just these sounds we mentioned. Meanwhile, when you take quick action and call skilled water leaks experts like StopWater911, you save your money and avoid damage.
Here are Some Common Signs of a Busted Pipe:
- Your water utility bills have increased inexplicably.
- Discolored water, smells bad, or is rusty
- Mold or mildew that is visible in unexpected locations
- Unexpected decrease in water pressure
- Potholes or sinkholes developing close to your property
- Water stains or pockets of moisture on the walls and floors
- Segments of water pipes that are weak or structurally damaged
- Unusual damp areas, either indoors or outdoors, across the building
When you face any of these problems, you should consult professional plumbers.
What Are the Common Signs of Water Leaks?
Water leaks always happen when you least expect them to happen. Additionally, they usually occur without warning, from burst pipes to loose seals. The problems water leaks can cause are wall destruction, floor warping, and an increase in your utility bills every month. Make sure to keep a note of these initial signs of water leaks in the pump, pipes, or anything in your home. Moreover, we have gathered 15 signs of water leaks in your residence:
- Ceiling and Wall Stains
When you start seeing brownish strains on your walls or ceilings, it might be a sign of water leaking. Meanwhile, as time passes, you start noticing these scars more, and it happens because of moisture seeping through the walls. The leaking spot becomes more saggy or inflates just before it collapses to the ground. It’s better to immediately contact water leak experts to fix this problem before it becomes worse. - Rising Water Bills Without Reason
According to the EPA, water leaks waste more than 10,000 gallons of water every year. Sometimes you don’t see any brownish stains on the walls or ceiling; instead, you see nothing. But the vital sign of a water leak is still there when you know the difference in your recent water bills. Because when the water keeps leaking and you get more utility bills than you usually charge, it’s a sign. To fix this, you can call an inspection team of plumbers to make sure your house has no leaking spots. - Cracks in Foundation or Leaning Walls
When your building’s structure prominently changes, it might be because water is leaking into its foundation. Additionally, you can see large cracks or leaping basement walls because moisture seeps through those small cracks. Take action before it becomes bad. - Persistent Musty Odors
Even after cleaning your house or office, you may still get earthly scents, which may be caused by concealed dampness. These are usually unpleasant, or you might see mold or mildew flourish. To fix these weird odors, contact some professionals instead of covering them up. - Damp Carpets and Wet Floors
If your feet randomly strike a wet carpet or slippery tile, water may be leaking underneath. These indicators are particularly worrisome near corners or baseboards. If left untreated, mold can grow, flooring can distort, and indoor air quality can deteriorate. Always look at new areas that seem damp. - Flaking Paint or Bubbling Wallpaper
Most of the time, the paint on your walls or ceilings starts bubbling up and pealing off, which indicates water leaking. Meanwhile, if you have wallpapers in your household, you might see bubbles in them. Simply contact help and fix the problem. - Mold in Unexpected Places
Some warning signs of water leaks are mold in your ceiling, under furniture, or near shower vents. To prevent these annoying growths, stop the source of moisture. - Exterior Paint Peeling or Blistering
Usually, water stuck inside the wall cavity can cause exterior pants to peel off. However, you have to properly fix the problem to prevent this from happening again. - Termite Activity or Rotting Wood
Another reason for water leaks might be rotting wood, as you must know that water leaks soften timber. Different signs include sawdust, collapsing floorboards, and soft baseboards. - Dripping Sounds Behind Walls
At the start of this article, we mentioned “hiss” or “whose” sounds, which indicate water leaks. When you hear this dripping sound behind your walls or anywhere else, make sure to have it checked by professionals. - Bathtub Stains or Pooling Water
Another sign of a water leak is standing puddles on bathtub floors caused by cracked caulk seals. Even small leaks behind walls or beneath the floor can cause huge damage to your property. Watch for water coming back after showers and contact help. - Water Meter That Never Stops
If you have a water meter on your home’s water system and it doesn’t stop even when you are not using any water, then it’s a sign of a water leak. When it keeps running the reading despite no water running from the taps, then it might be a hidden water leak. Contact the trusted water authority or plumbers to detect this and fix it. - Hot or Warm Spots on Flooring
Moving on to a water leak sign is when you notice an unusually hot patch of the floor, which might be because of radiant heating leaks. A leaking pipe might heat the moisture on the floor, and it might be bent, or there might be squishy planks. Meanwhile, these hot spots can be the deeper plumbing issues. - Loose or Wobbly Toilet
Leaking seals beneath a swaying toilet typically cause it. Additionally, gradual harm can occur from surrounding fixtures or the subfloor. Don’t ignore wobbling toilets; call the plumbers near you. - Low Water Pressure
Lastly, one of the main signs of a water leak is low water pressure through the faucets. This can happen because most of the water is escaping through broken pipes or cracks in the joints. If you see a significant change in water pressure, contact a plumber near your home to fix this problem.
Final Thoughts on Spotting Water Leak Signs
Water leaks may be small, but they can result in a huge loss of money or weaken your building’s foundation. Never avoid the tiny water leak signs, and always make sure to identify them with the help of professionals who use advanced equipment.
FAQs
How Can I Detect and Stop Water Leaks Before They Cause Damage?
To avoid expensive water damage, regularly check for leaks under sinks, around appliances, and near water heaters. Installing a smart leak detector with automatic shutoff, however, can monitor consumption and identify hidden leaks early, even while you’re not there.
Can a Water Leak Make You Sick?
Indeed. Mold and mildew can thrive in the ideal conditions provided by leaks, which can aggravate respiratory conditions or allergies. Even worse, leakage from tainted sources, such as sewer lines or dishwashers, can expose you to toxic substances and dangerous microorganisms.
What Are the Side Effects of a Leak (e.g., Gas Leak)?
Gas leaks can result in significant health problems like:
- Dizziness and headaches
- Nausea and exhaustion
- Chest discomfort or irregular breathing
- Issues of memory and impaired vision
Evacuate and contact emergency services right away if you think there may be a gas leak.
What Are the Signs of a Water Leak in the Ceiling?
Water stains, bubbling paint, drooping drywall, and musty smells are typical indicators. Additionally, mold development or dripping sounds can be observed in the impacted regions.
What Are the Signs of a Leaking Water Pump?
Check for steam coming from the radiator, engine overheating, whining sounds, or coolant pools beneath your car. These are early warning signs of a possible leak in your water pump.