4 Signs that you have a water leak!

Signs that you have a water leak

Water leaks are among the most common plumbing problems. From cracked pipes to leaky fixtures, water leaks can seem like a minor issue – but left ignored can cause a lot of extensive and expensive damage. Catching a leak in the early stage is crucial in preventing this from happening. Here are four tale-tell signs that you have a water leak that needs to be addressed immediately. 

1. Your water bill suddenly spikes. 

Though it is perfectly normal for your water bill to fluctuate, it is not normal to see a constant increase if your water usage is remaining about the same. This is an indicator that the extra water is sneaking out from your pipes. Compare your water bills month to month and pay attention to any unusual activity or sudden spikes. This is the number one sign of an existing water leak.

2. Stains, discoloration, or mold on walls and around cabinets.

Stained, damaged, or sagging walls, ceiling or floors, mold or mildew, and unsightly peeling or blistering paint or wallpaper. These are all signs of an increased amount of moisture in the designated area. A leak near your kitchen sink or near your washing machine can cause bubbling in your walls, or furniture, wet stains, mold, and unpleasant odors. Being vigilant and on the lookout for these signs, is key to catching and fixing a water leak before it causes more taxing damage to your property. 

3. Pooling in your yard or extra patches of lush grass.

You may encounter excess pooling in your yard, after particularly heavy rainfall. However, persistent pooling of smelly water in your yard is a certain sign of a leak in your sewer pipe. Alternatively, it could indicate an overflowing septic tank that needs to be pumped. Fortunately, you won’t have to search far and wide for the source of the problem, as it is definitely located right underneath the pool of waste in your yard. 

Similarly, areas of grass that have suddenly become very healthy, lush, and green, with no extra effort on your part, could mean that a sewer line is leaking deeper under the ground and fertilizing your lawn. This will surely attract rodents and insects that are attracted to sewer lines and can easily squeeze through small cracks and openings. 

4. Funky smells.

Leaky pipes in your bathroom walls or under the shower will allow sewer smells to escape. Most of these pipes will be hidden in your walls or under your fixtures so accessing them will not be easy. If sewer-like odors are coming from your toilet or washing machine this could point to a clog in your main sewer line. When sewer gasses cannot pass through the sewer line, they are then forced into your home. This is not only extremely unpleasant but also hazardous as these gases are toxic and can have a detrimental effect on your health. 

How to prevent water leaks?

Water leaks are pretty common so having an annual inspection of your plumbing system will help keep your pipes in good shape and address any issues in their early stages before they create a leak. Be mindful of what causes water leaks, such as rapid temperature drops, root infestation, broken seals, clogged pipes, or simply regular wear and tear.

If you suspect you may have a water leak somewhere in your plumbing system, call a plumbing professional to perform a water leak detection service. Here at VIP Sewer and Drain services, we have over 20 years of experience in the plumbing industry are we’re fully equipped and skilled to tackle any sewer and drain-related problem. 

If you have any emergency plumbing need, simply call our 24 hour emergency service line

949.207.3362