Sometimes you have a leak somewhere in your plumbing system that you won’t know about because it is hidden behind a wall or ceiling. Here are some common signs of hidden leaks in your plumbing system. Watch for these, and you’ll be better equipped to catch sneaky leaks before they become major problems.
A Spike in Monthly Bills
An unexplained spike in monthly water bills may be an indicator of a leak you don’t know about. This is because, if you have a hidden leak, water is being lost somewhere, which increases your usage and your bill goes up. Think about any other potential causes of an increase in your bills – if you can’t come up with anything, a hidden leak may be the culprit.
Low Water Pressure
If your water pressure has suddenly dropped without an obvious reason why, it may be due to a hidden leak. When you have a leak somewhere in your plumbing system, water escaping through the leak will result in lower pressure coming out of your taps.
Stains on Walls or Ceilings
If you notice mysterious stains appearing on your ceiling or wall, that could be water damage from a hidden leak. Sometimes when a leak is located behind a wall, the first noticeable sign is the staining of the wall. Water stains usually look brown, yellow, or grey and are sometimes accompanied by bubbling wallpaper or paint and/or a musty smell.
Mold or Mildew Growth
Mold and mildew thrive in moist environments, so a hidden leak provides exactly what mold and mildew want in order to grow. If you notice mold and/or mildew growing somewhere in your home, determine where the moisture is coming from. If you can’t find an obvious source, there may be a leak somewhere you can’t see.
