Plumbing leaks definitely make the top of the list when it comes to common problems faced by homeowners in our area. Pipes are designed to last a very long time, however, factors such as age and water pressure do take their toll eventually. As a result, a leak can spring up and leave you with property damage or at least wasted water. Our professionals can conduct professional leak detection services to determine where your leak is and accurately repair it.
It is imperative that you allow a trained and experienced professional handle a problem like this. Of course, you also need to know when it’s time to even call for leak detection services. Are there signs you can watch out for that you may have a plumbing leak? There certainly are! Read on to learn more.
Detecting a Plumbing Leak On Your Own
Without the advice we’re about to share below, it can take weeks, maybe even months, for the average homeowner to spot a leak. This is because your plumbing system is expansive and pretty much hidden from view.
This presents a few issues, right? Dripping or leaking water can create a huge amount of property damage to surrounding components, such as your drywall, flooring, and even electrical wiring. And since it is hidden from view, the damage can get pretty extensive before you even notice water. Additionally, this water is all wasted, meaning you’re paying to use water you don’t even get to enjoy.
As we said above, leak detection services are necessary to accurately located and then repair a leak, but in the meantime, here’s what to listen and look for to detect one on your own:
- Strange Sounds: This includes anything out of the ordinary. For instance, you might hear running or dripping water even though you have no faucets or plumbing appliances on. If you’ve never heard this sound before (i.e. maybe from an attached neighbor’s home) then it’s cause enough for alarm to give us a call.
- Soft Spots in Your Drywall: When a slow leak is happening, moisture from leaking pipes can damage the nearby drywall, creating soft spots. If the leak is low enough, you may notice dampness on your baseboards or flooring.
- A Drop in Water Pressure: A slow decline in water pressure typically means you have a growing leak somewhere in your home. A sudden decline in water pressure likely means you had a pipe burst. This isn’t common in the summertime as its usually a symptom of a frozen pipe after it’s been thawing out. However, if you have a sudden drop in water pressure, you need to call us right away for emergency plumbing repairs.
- Mold or Mildew Growth: Even in scenarios where your plumbing leak doesn’t damage your home directly, it can still encourage the growth of mold or mildew. A musty odor may accompany this problem, alerting you to the issue even if the mold isn’t immediately noticeable.
These are a few of the main signs you should watch out for. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call if you have any concerns!
For expert plumbing service, installations, or maintenance contact Reliance Plumbing Sewer & Drainage, Inc. Our knowledgeable plumbers serve the North Shore and Northwest Chicago suburbs. Rely on Reliance for professional Glenview pipe relining and pipe repair!