Plumbing leaks can be plain as day or hard to detect. Either way, any sort of leak in your home has the potential to cause major water damage, especially those that aren’t obvious or clearly noticeable. Here’s how to tell if you have a plumbing leak that needs attention by a professional Maryland plumber.
Warning Sign #1: Unusually High Water Bills
Unless a major change has occurred or your home has seen additional occupancy recently, it’s likely that you know what to expect when the water bill comes. If you notice an increase, either sudden or gradual, it’s better to err on the side of caution and have an experienced plumber come check your plumbing system for leaks.
Warning Sign #2: Stained Walls & Sagging Ceilings
White walls can be easy for detecting possible water leaks, but if your walls are painted certain colors, it may be less obvious to you that a plumbing leak is occurring in your home. Be sure to inspect any discoloration on walls to make sure a leak isn’t the issue. Sagging ceilings are also a big sign of a plumbing malfunction, and it’s vital to get these fixed right away before the ceiling gives way and causes further damage to your home.
Warning Sign #3: Mold or Mildew
It’s not unheard of for areas of your home that get normal water use (i.e. your bathtub or shower) to see this sort of buildup if not cleaned properly and on a regular basis. However, it’s the spots in your home that aren’t commonly exposed to moisture that you need to worry about. If typically dry areas of your house have mold or mildew growth, a plumbing leak may be causing the moisture.
Warning Sign #4: Water Meter Detects a Leak
There’s a simple check you can do at home that can detect if you have a water leak somewhere within your plumbing:
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Check your water meter and note the reading.
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Shut off all running water in and outside of the home and do not use the water for a few hours.
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Check the meter once again.
If the meter shows use, even though no water was running for that period of time in your home, it’s likely you have a leak somewhere.
Call a Master Plumber in Carroll County, MD
Have you noticed any of the following warning signs in your home? If so, call Michael Runk Plumbing & Heating today. Our experts will be able to find the source of the plumbing leak and fix it for you in no time, preventing further damage and giving you the peace of mind that your water isn’t being wasted. Contact us to take advantage of our 24/7 emergency plumbing services or to schedule an appointment for a plumbing system inspection today.