Leaky Pipe or Fixture?
If you have a leak that is quickly creating a pool of water, turn off the water supply, and give us a call. Our plumbers are leak detection experts. Burst pipes and dripping water heaters require immediate attention, but that leaky faucet needs help too. Leaks corrode your pipes, cause structural damage, and waste hundreds of gallons of water each month.
How to Find Plumbing Leaks?
A small leak in a faucet or sink might not seem like much at first but if left unchecked it could lead to tremendous damage over time. Here are some signs and symptoms that you may have hidden plumbing leaks. Detection can be difficult so it's important to know what to look for and what may be causing the problem.
Common signs of a leak
- Look for evidence of water damage. This may include water stains on the ceilings or walls, warped floors, or mold.
- Listen. If you hear a dripping noise or a strange sound coming from the walls or a plumbing fixture. that’s a good indication that you have a water leak.
- Feel. If you notice a sudden decrease in your water pressure, you may have a leak, sediment, leaky pipe, or faulty valve in your system.
- Observe. Is it more difficult to turn the water on or off, or does it require the same amount of force either way?
- Check your water bill. If your bill is higher than usual, you may have a plumbing leak or an issue with your water pipes.
Leak Inspections
Visual inspections
Examine the flooring around fixtures and appliances that use water, including toilets, bathtubs, dishwashers. Cracked or warped floors indicate moisture presence in this area which can lead to mold growth if left unchecked for long enough periods of time.
Inspect exposed pipes in basements and crawlspaces. Corrosion, mineral buildup, or moisture present around the pipes indicates a leak. If you see mold, mildew, or rotted wood around these pipes, your leak is probably in this area. Water tends to travel downward, and often the location of water stains is not the exact location of the leaking pipe.
For kitchens and bathrooms, shine a light through the cabinets and look for moisture at the joints. Also, look for corrosion on supply line fittings or valves. Water stains on the bottom of cupboards or below sinks, along with dampness/mold growths inside cabinets typically mean there is an issue with leaking pipes.