You might not realize it, but your plumbing system is under constant stress. When you turn on the faucet or flush the toilet, water flows through a complex network of pipes and fittings. Over time, this regular use can take its toll, causing leaks to develop in hidden areas of your home. While a small leak might not seem like a big deal, it can quickly become a significant problem if left unchecked.
Common Signs of Hidden Leaks in Your Home
These plumbing leaks can lead to serious water damage, mold growth, and increased utility bills. They can damage your home and often go undetected until the problem has become much larger (and more expensive) to fix. Here are five warning signs that you may have a hidden water leak in your home:
1. Water Meter Spikes with No Apparent Reason
Your home’s water meter is one of the first places to check for signs of a hidden water leak. If you have a hidden leak, your water consumption will likely go up without changing your daily routines.
2. Hissing Or Dripping Sounds Coming from Walls Or Ceilings
Hissing or dripping sounds coming from inside your walls or ceilings are another sign that you could have a hidden water leak. These sounds are usually caused by water escaping from a small hole or crack in a pipe and hitting something inside your wall cavity or ceiling space.
3. Mold or Mildew Growth
Mold and mildew growth is another common sign of hidden leaks. Because mold and mildew need moisture to grow, they are often found near sources of water leakage, such as pipes, windows, and roofs.
4. Peeling Paint Or Wallpaper
If you notice paint or wallpaper peeling away from walls or ceilings in your home, it could be caused by excessive moisture in the air—a common side effect of hidden leaks. When leaks cause excess moisture to build up inside wall cavities and ceiling spaces, it can eventually lead to paint and wallpaper becoming detached from walls and ceilings altogether.
5. Warm Spots on Floors
Another sign of a hidden leak is the presence of warm spots on floors—especially if those warm spots coincide with areas where plumbing pipes run through floor joists or sub-floors. These warm spots indicate that water is leaking, causing heat to build up around the leaky area.
What To Do If You Have a Hidden Leak in Your Home
If you suspect you’ve got a hidden leak, the first thing to do is to call a professional plumber. They’ll be able to help you locate the source of the leak and make the necessary repairs. If left unchecked, a hidden leak can cause damage to your home, both in terms of the physical structure and your family’s safety.
Call Ethical Plumbing to Take Care of Your Hidden Leaks
If you’re concerned about a possible plumbing leak in your home, don’t hesitate to call Ethical Plumbing. We’re experts at finding and repairing all kinds of leaks, and we’re always happy to answer any questions you may have.
We also offer plumbing installation and replacement services, so we can take care of any plumbing needs you may have. We even perform:
- Toilet replacements
- Faucet replacements
- Busted pipe replacements
- Repiping and pipe installations
- Emergency plumbing services
- Drain cleaning services
Call us at (864) 438-0525 or contact us today for all our plumbing services in Greenville County, SC. Our technicians are ready to help you!