Last Updated on December 16, 2023 by Jason Nguyen
If you’ve ever had to deal with a plumbing leak or overflow in your house, then you know firsthand just how messy and stressful it can be. In some cases, a small leaking pipe might seem like an easy fix—until it suddenly becomes a burst pipe!Â
If you have even the slightest suspicion that you may have a plumbing leak in your home, don’t ignore the issue. It’s a good idea a professional plumber, such as the ones at Beehive Plumbing, to inspect the problem further before it gets worse. Here are seven of the most common signs to look out for when searching for potential leaks:
Foul Odors
If you notice a foul odor coming from your drains, sinks, or toilets, it could be a sign of a sewage leak. If it’s not there one day and appears the next, then you may have an issue with your plumbing system.
If the foul odor persists for more than 24 hours after fixing the broken pipe or other sources of water damage, then you need to contact a professional immediately because it could be indicative of something more serious, like gas leaks.
Rusty Water
Rusty, discolored water is a major sign that there’s a hidden plumbing leak in your home. If you notice the water is rusty or brownish in color, it could be caused by rust or algae buildup on the inside of your pipes. This may happen if you’ve had an issue with your water heater or pipes freezing over during winter weather.
As soon as you notice this discoloration, check to see if any of your other faucets are also affected by the same problem: if they are, then there’s likely an internal leak that needs attention right away!
Wet Spots on the Floor or Walls
- Look for wet spots on the floor or walls. These are signs of a possible plumbing leak that needs to be attended to immediately.
- Before you try to fix the leak, you should know what caused it in the first place. If you have a septic system, then there is probably something wrong with one of its components, like a drain field or pump. You can find out if this is the cause by having your septic tank pumped out once every year or two so that any sediment buildup inside can be removed and replaced with fresh dirt while also ensuring that everything else looks normal in terms of size, shape, and coloration.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure is a sign that something is wrong with your plumbing. Here are some reasons why you might be experiencing low water pressure:
- The pipes are clogged. To fix this, you need to clean out your drain lines and make sure there aren’t any leaks in them. You can check for leaks by putting food coloring in the drain and waiting for it to come through another faucet or toilet bowl downstream from where you have placed the dye (if there isn’t any color showing up at all when you do this, then there may not be an actual leak). If no color appears after a few minutes, but there still seems to be problems with getting enough water pressure, then there could be mineral buildup inside of pipes leading up into your home that needs cleaning out before more serious damage occurs due to lack of flow rate over time (this can happen especially if someone used harsh chemicals like bleach or vinegar while trying unsuccessfully themselves first).
- There could also just simply not be enough supply coming through right now due to high demand being put on our system during peak hours throughout the day/night because everyone wants hot showers (or cold ones, depending on the season) without interruption!
Unusually High Water Bill
If you notice that your water bill is unusually high, it could be a sign that you have a leak somewhere in your home. If you’re not sure, contact your local utility company and ask them to check for leaks. They may be able to come out and perform an inspection of the pipes in person or use special equipment to detect leaks from afar.
If you do find out that there is a leak on your property, it’s important to attend to it immediately. Leaks can cause severe damage if left unattended for long periods because they can cause flooding and even lead to mold growth if water isn’t contained properly in the surrounding areas where plumbing issues occur (e.g., bathroom). Getting a leak fixed can help save almost 10% of your water bills.Â
Running Toilets
If your toilet is running or gulping, it can be caused by a clogged toilet. Or, if you have a leaky or broken toilet, the running water will be louder because of this.
If you hear a running toilet and are unsure of what’s causing it, call a plumber immediately.
Mold and Mildew Growth
Mold and mildew growth is a sign of a plumbing leak that needs to be attended to. Mold can cause respiratory issues and allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin or respiratory problems. Mildew, on the other hand, can cause eye irritation and damage to materials it grows on, such as wallpaper or paint. It’s important to note that if you notice mold or mildew growth anywhere in your home (not just near a leak), then there is likely an issue with moisture levels in the area where it has grown.
A plumbing leak can be a sign of other problems as well—and those problems should be taken care of before they become worse!
Wrapping Up
If you notice any of these signs, call a professional plumber such as Beehive Plumbing to inspect the issue further. A leak can be as small as a dripping faucet or as large as a major pipe break. It might be a slow leak that happens over days or weeks, or it might be a fast one that takes minutes before turning into an emergency. The leak can also happen constantly or sporadically; sometimes, it’s not even happening at all! An average household wastes almost 10,000 gallons of water a year due to leaks.Â
The sooner you can address the problem and determine if there is a leak, the better off your home will be over time.
