Home and business owners often don’t realize their plumbing system is damaged until a small leak turns into an emergency plumbing situation. A leaking pipe could be easy to miss, especially when it involves a pipe beneath your lawn or within the walls. But don’t worry, you don’t have to be an expert plumber to catch the red flags that signify a leak!
If you suspect a problem in your pipes or you want to be proactive about your system’s health, look for these top warning signs.
- Increase In Water Bill
After operating a business or living in a home for a few months, you grow familiar with what type of water bill to expect. When you receive an invoice that unexpectedly deviates greatly from your typical monthly bill, it’s highly likely you’re dealing with lost water. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 10% of homes have undetected leaks that produce a loss of 90 gallons of water or more each day. If your bill suddenly increases, contact a local plumber for leak detection services.
- Hear Running Water
When the pipes within the walls of your home suffer a leak, you may be able to spot the flowing water by the sound. If you hear the sound of running water when all the faucets and water-dependent appliances are off, you may have a leak. Don’t attempt to find the broken pipe yourself. Hire a professional plumber so minimal damage is done to your home and plumbing system during the repair.
- Water Spots
When water sits in one spot for an extended period of time, it can soak through drywall. If you notice water spots on your ceiling or floor, call an emergency plumber. Not only are you paying for the wasted water, but without immediate attention, the leak could cause severe damage to your property.
- Low Water Pressure
If the water pressure in your home gradually or suddenly weakens, there’s a good chance your plumbing system has suffered a leak. Undetected leaks will pull the water supply away from your faucet, causing low water pressure. A small leak may not make an obvious change, so be aware of gradual shifts in the pressure. You can read your water pressure to determine if there is a problem. If you use a local municipality water supply, ask the city to complete a pressure reading. The ideal water pressure reading falls between 45-55 PSI. You can also test your system at home with a pressure gauge by connecting the gauge to an outside water spigot and turning the water on for a reading.
- Pooling Water
One of the most obvious signs of a leak is water pooling in your yard. If an underground pipe bursts, the water will eventually surface, creating puddles in your lawn. If one area of the lawn is far more saturated than the rest, it’s time to call a local plumber.
Being aware of how your plumbing system operates can help you detect leaks, save money and prolong the life of your pipes.
