Signs Of Hidden Plumbing Leaks
A hidden plumbing leak is a disaster because it can cause severe damage for a long time without you realizing such a thing is happening. Fortunately, plumbing leaks often produce telltale signs that you can read and realize there is a leak somewhere in your house. Here are some of the common signs that should make you suspect a leak.
Increased Water Bills
This is one of the classic signs of truly hidden leaks. This is because the water leaking out of your plumbing pipes will be passing through the meter, moving the meter but not helping you in any way. Therefore, a hidden water leak should be one of your suspicions if your water bill has increased without any increased consumption from you.
Increases Energy Consumption
There are also ways in which water damage can also cause affect your house's energy efficiency. For example, depending on where the water is leaking, it can damage your insulation, which means your HVAC (heating and air conditioning system) will have to work extra hard to make your home comfortable. Also, the leaking water may also cause holes or cracks in your siding, which may also leak air.
Wall or Flooring Damage
Leaking water will eventually damage your floor or wall, depending on where the leak is and if it is not plugged in time. The damage can occur in several ways; for example, it can corrode the metallic structures in the house, cause paint to peel off, and accelerate the decay of wood structures in the house. In some cases, the damage may be more than cosmetic because continued water damage may weaken the affected parts of the house.
Strange Smells in the House
This is another classic sign of hidden water damage because the water that is leaking must go somewhere. This water may cause rotting, algae growth or mold growth in different parts of the house. If the decay or mold/mildew growth also happens in a hidden location, then you may just be drawn to their presence by strange smells in the house.
Frequent Pest Infestation
Lastly, you should also suspect hidden water damage if you are expecting an increased presence of pests in your house. The risk of it being a case of hidden water damage is even higher if the pests you are seeing are those that are attracted to water. Examples include crickets, mosquitoes, and earwigs, among others.
An experienced plumbing company like A B C Drain & Plumbing can help you diagnose and plug a leak, even the hidden ones. Therefore, consult such a professional the minute you start to notice the above symptoms.
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