Water Leak Signs That Are Not Obvious

Home water issues are incredibly frustrating. Getting to the bottom of the problem can take a long time and permanently damage a home’s foundation, walls, installations, and many other areas.

Hidden leaks are the worst. Noticing them too late creates a nightmare. Paying attention to signs of leaks helps catch these issues and deal with them promptly. Here are some signs to consider:

PHANTOM WATER BILL INCREASES

The water bill is never completely constant, but fluctuations are supposed to be within reasonable limits. An unexpected and sudden water bill increase is often indicative of a faulty or leaking pipe. The best way to track this kind of increase is to keep the previous months’ receipts and bills.

Bear in mind that pipe leaks often occur during weather and seasonal changes.

MILDEW OR MOLD

Mold patches look gross. But they can also cause various health complications, which means that a household is no place for mold or mildew. These issues are a direct result of damp spots that are common effects of water leakage.

Mildew and mold require immediate attention. If these two have started settling in, the damp spot has been around for some time.

FOUL ODOR

Foul odors often go under the radar at home. The problem is, the foul odor is not just an inconvenience; it can be a symptom of leaks.

A typical foul odor that’s symptomatic of water leakage can often resemble sewer stench, rotten food, and rotten eggs. If there are any strange scents, contact a professional plumber to check for leaks.

A DAMP AND OVERGROWN LAWN PATCH

An overly wet patch on the lawn feels strange and is often indicative of water leakage. This symptom can be difficult to notice during the damp and cold months but is an obvious sign of a leak in warmer and dry weather.

This underground leak needs prompt attention because it can infiltrate a structure’s foundation and cause cracks and deterioration. Overgrown patches of lawn are another sign of water leakage.

WALL DAMAGE, WARPING, AND DISCOLORATION

Discoloration, damage, or “bubbling” on walls and ceilings often means that the area is in contact with moisture. Leave it for long enough, and wet spots and mold will start to appear. This moisture can even cause cracks and collapses.

Contacting a plumber to cut the area open, perform repairs, and patch the wall up is the right way to go. Address this issue as soon as possible to avoid extra repair costs.

PAY CLOSE ATTENTION

These signs are worth keeping in mind to prevent structural damage and health problems—every potential issue on this list warrants contacting a professional to avoid further complications.

Evenflow Home and Commercial Services offer residential and commercial electrical, plumbing, and HVAC services in San Antonio, Schertz, Converse, Floresville, Elmendorf, and surrounding cities. Call us at 210-941-3503 today!