Most homeowners would recognize the signs of a water leak within their property, with signs such as excessively high water bills, sinking ceilings, visible damage to walls and wet floors, often finding the source of the leak themselves can be challenging. This can be due to a number of reasons.
There are several, relatively straightforward investigative actions you can take to help identify, or narrow down the location of investigation. These steps can better inform you not only of the specific areas and likely causes of your water leak but also of the best remedial actions we would recommend.
When a pipe in your property is leaking water, it isn’t just increasing your water use, it is increasing the overall moisture content throughout the property. This can lead to seriously costly problems such as damage to walls and flooring, pest infestation and mould growth which can be hazardous to the health of the buildings occupants. Generally, the longer the leak is allowed to continue, the more costly the damage will be to repair.
Signs of a water leak in your property
- Unusually High Water Bill
Water bills normally remain consistent, with no more than a $10-$15 variance from month to month. So, unless you’re hosting house guests leading to increased water consumption, or maybe filling up a large pool in May, a spike in your water bill is a good indicator of a leak in your home. - The Sound of Running Water
If you’re hearing water running, your first step should be to check your faucets, toilet valves, and outdoor spigots. If everything is status quo, take an exact reading of your water meter and don’t use the water for a few hours. Then, take another meter reading. If there has been no change, that means the water is not running (and maybe it’s time to have your hearing checked!). If the reading has changed, however, this indicates that water is indeed flowing and you most likely have a leak. - Wet or Damp Floors
You’re walking across your carpet and suddenly squish—your sock is soaked! The dog doesn’t look guilty and your child swears they didn’t spill anything. That means you’re likely looking at sewer leakage. Now, it’s easy to just soak it up with a towel and call it a day; however, this won’t stop the leak. Ignoring the problem allows moisture to build up, ultimately causing mold or mildew. Not only is this smelly, but it can be very toxic and harmful to children, the elderly, pets, and those with weak immune systems. Don’t risk the health of your home and your family—call in a professional to take care of the problem. - Foul Odors
If there’s an unpleasant smell in your home and you can’t locate the source, don’t just light a candle or spray some Febreze. Funky smells are often due to mold and mildew, which spread fast under ideal conditions (optimal temperature and level of humidity). Growth begins within about 24-48 hours, and spores start to colonize in 3-12 days, becoming visible to the eye within about 18 days. If you think the odor is leak-related, get a plumber out as soon as possible to mitigate damage from rapid fungi growth (and rid your home of the foul odor). - Overgrowth in the Lawn
Unless you didn’t fertilize your lawn evenly, a lush patch of grass in a select area of your lawn, or concentrated wet spots, indicate pipe leakage which is acting as a fertilizer. Left untreated, hazardous bacteria in the underground waste will quickly turn into a messy situation, going from lush growth to lawn destruction. - Wall Cracks
Over time, even the littlest of leaks can cause cracks in the foundation of your home and compromise the entire structure. How does it happen? The leak continues hammering away at the same spot in the ground beneath your home, eventually causing it to shift slightly. Now, you’d never feel this shift, but your walls will. This can be a very dangerous situation, so if you’re seeing vertical or diagonal cracking in your walls it’s best to call a plumber right away. - Sagging Ceiling
A sagging ceiling can be extremely concerning and alarming in your home. This can be caused due to a sudden increase in water like an overflowing bathtub. However, a sagging ceiling can also happen slowly over time from a subtle leak. So, it’s important to keep an eye on your ceiling regularly if you suspect a leak in your house.
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