6 Signs of Hidden Plumbing Leaks: Don't Ignore the Warning Signals

Most plumbing leaks in the home are easily spotted. A faucet may have a consistent drip, or you open the cabinet under the kitchen sink and find a small puddle. In this situation, you probably know to call a plumber and have them fix the issue quickly. But what happens when the leak is hidden?

Often, you don’t find out a pipe has burst inside the wall or ceiling until it’s too late. Once it’s discovered, the damage it has caused is extremely expensive. Then, there are the pipes running under the slab foundation of a home. As time passes, the aging pipes can begin to leak and damage your foundation. Since leaks can come from multiple sources, it’s important to understand the top six signs of hidden plumbing leaks so you can take action quickly.

1. High Water Bills

So, you haven’t recently installed a pool in your yard, but the amount owed on the water bill says otherwise. This spike in your water bills without any discernible reason can indicate you have a leak in your home. 

While you can watch your water bills throughout the year for spikes in usage, you can also follow the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommendations that state you should check the water usage for January and February. Water usage of over 12,000 gallons for a family of four is excessive, indicating there’s a sneaky leak hiding somewhere.

The best way to determine that a leak is the source of the high bill is to check the water usage when the house is empty. Before you leave, take a look at the meter. When you get home, check it again to see if it has moved. If it has, there’s definitely a leak.

2. You Look Up and See Water Stains

You know a water stain when you see it. The dark brown spots litter the ceiling and indicate a leak hanging around. It’s quite possible the roof needs to be repaired to keep out rainwater and snow.

But, if you have a two-story home and the water stain is on the first floor, it’s not likely that a hole in the roof is the root of the issue. For instance, let’s say you have a bathroom on the second floor and notice water stains on the ceiling in the bathroom right below it. In this situation, It’s safe to assume the stain is caused by a leak from the bathroom upstairs.

Once you notice the water stain, take action. The stain appears after the plumbing leak has been there for a while, so call a plumber as soon as possible to prevent any additional water damage.

3. Peeling Paint or Wallpaper

Have you noticed the paint or wallpaper beginning to peel or blister? This peeling paint or wallpaper is a sign that moisture is probably gathering behind your wall. A plumbing leak in the wall can damage the home’s structure. Remember, drywall and wood beams will absorb any moisture coming from the leaky pipe. Get ahead of the problem before the damage spreads and costly replacements have to be installed. 

4. Odd Noises

When the plumbing system is at peace, it’s pleasantly quiet. But, as soon as there’s a problem, it may let you know by raising it’s voice. That’s right, you’ll start to hear strange rattling sounds indicating a loose pipe or mount. Or, you may hear a strong vibration that signals a water leak inside the walls. When the faucets are off, but you still hear water running or hissing coming from the pipes, you’ll probably need a leak repair.

5. Low Water Pressure

You step into the shower and wait to be blasted with water, only to discover the water pressure is not what it once was. A reduction in water pressure can be a sign of a water leak in your water heater or your pipes. If the decrease is sudden and isn’t happening because the toilet was flushed, contact a professional.

6. Wet or Overly Lush Spots in Your Yard

Another major sign you have a hidden plumbing leak is if you notice isolated wet spots in your yard. For example, when the rest of your yard is dry but one section is wet, it could indicate a pipe is leaking underground. Unless this wet spot is on uneven ground or in a low spot where water naturally drains, you probably have a sewer line or plumbing leak causing the sogginess.

You could also have a plumbing leak if part of your yard is much greener than the rest. Since a leak will provide extra moisture, the portion of your yard closest to the leak will look more lush. If you have a sewer leak, the waste leaking out of the line could also be acting as a fertilizer that keeps a portion of your yard greener than the rest.

Choose Peter Levi for Leak Detection Services in Novato, San Rafael, and Other Surrounding Areas

If you’ve noticed any of the signs above and are looking for leak detection services near you in Vacaville, Novato, or the surrounding areas, turn to Peter Levi. Once you contact us for a leak detection appointment, our trained plumbers will perform a thorough inspection of your home and find the source of a leak. Next, they’ll provide the best leak repair options and perform them for you. Before you make an appointment, you can also review our coupons to see how much you can save on our services.

Learn more about our leak detection and repair services today. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please fill out our online form or call us at 800-605-5713.