Nov25
6 Signs of a Hidden Water Leak in Your Home
Reading Time: 3 minutesThings to Look For If You Suspect You Have a Leak
From the costly water damage to the skyrocketing water bills, not knowing you have a water leak can be disastrous.
As a Kelowna homeowner, knowing the signs to look out for is essential when it comes to detecting a leak early and preventing severe water damage from occurring at your property. To help save you the hassle of dealing with the expensive aftermath of a leak that went undetected for far too long, in this article, we explain the main causes of hidden leaks and the main signs you should be looking out for. Keep reading to find out what they are.
The Main Reasons a Hidden Water Leak Can Occur
A hidden leak is when a pipe or plumbing fixture is leaking water but is hidden:
- Behind a wall
- Under flooring
- In the ceiling
- In a cupboard
- In the attic.
Because the fixture is concealed, the leak typically does not become apparent until there is significant water damage. When the leak goes undetected for a long period of time, it can cause serious damage to the structure of your home, along with mould growth.
A hidden leak can occur in homes for a variety of reasons, including the following:
- The deterioration of ageing pipes
- A burst pipe caused by freezing during the wintertime
- Excessively high water pressure has put a strain on your pipes
- Tree roots encroaching on your plumbing system
- A large clog that caused cracks in your pipes
- Hard water that has led to corrosion over time
- Improper pipe installation
- Earthquakes, settlement, or soil shifts that put stress on your pipes
- Chemical damage to your pipes caused by excessive use of drain cleaner and other harsh chemicals
The 7 Key Signs That Could Indicate You Have a Leak
Here are just a few ways your home could be telling you that you have a hidden leak on your hands.
- Sudden Increase in Water Bills
One of the easiest ways to detect a leak in your home is to check your water bills and look for any sudden increases in usage. If you see that your water usage and monthly bill have slowly or suddenly increased without any change in your habits, this is a sign you should call a plumber to investigate a possible leak.
- Mysterious Sounds Coming From Walls or Ceilings
When a leak is hidden somewhere in your home, you may hear the sound of running water when no plumbing fixtures are in use. Often, in older homes, homeowners will disregard these sounds as nothing more than typical noises that come with living in an ageing house. However, it’s so important to pay close attention and have a plumber investigate whenever you hear a strange noise like this, as it could indicate a bigger problem.
- Wet Spots in the Home
Sudden damp or discoloured patches that appear on walls, ceilings, or floors are one of the most obvious signs that you have water leaking from somewhere in your home.
- Musty or Mouldy Smells
Hidden water leaks create a wet environment that leads to mould and mildew if it isn’t addressed quickly. When a leak occurs, you may be able to detect a musty or mouldy smell in a specific area of your home.
- Low Water Pressure
A hidden leak can reduce water pressure in your faucets and showerheads. If you suddenly experience lower water pressure without any apparent reason, it’s worth investigating.
- Peeling or Bubbling Paint or Wallpaper
A leak that’s hidden behind a wall can lead to moisture buildup, causing paint or wallpaper to peel and bubble. This is an especially common sign in bathrooms and kitchens, so be sure to pay close attention to any changes to the walls in these rooms.
- Cracks in Walls or Foundation
Over time, moisture in your home from a water leak can cause cracks to develop in your home’s walls and/or foundation. Always pay close attention to your home’s foundation and look for new cracks, especially near plumbing fixtures, as this could reveal a hidden leak.
What To Do After a Leak is Detected
If you suspect you have a hidden leak in your Kelowna home, this issue needs immediate attention from a licensed Kelowna-based plumber.
At My Plumber Kelowna, we have a team of licensed, trained, and highly experienced plumbers who can diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve your plumbing issues any time of day.
Call us today at 250-601-0000 or fill out a form on our website, and we will be in touch ASAP.