Signs of Leaks Without Standing Water

When you picture a leak in your plumbing system, you likely imagine water escaping pipes and accumulating in puddles in your home or commercial building. But sometimes a plumbing leak will not present so predictably.

Fortunately, there are many other indicators that could point to a leak in your pipes or other plumbing. Standing water where it does not belong is only one sign of a leak. Read on to learn about four other ways you can tell that you have a leak in your plumbing system.

Do I Have a Plumbing Leak on My Property?

Damage to Walls or Ceilings

Spotting puddles or drips from a pipe provides a clear indicator of a leak. But this does not always occur so clearly if a leak exists. But you might see other visible signs that your plumbing has a leak.

Water can collect within the walls or ceiling of your building. Moisture can wreak havoc on the interior structure of your property. So you might see cracks beginning to form as the water eats away at these parts of the building.

A leak can also create stains on these areas. Discoloration may also occur if your building begins to grow mold. If any of these issues arise, do not hesitate to call a plumber.

Strange Smells

You can employ other senses besides sight to determine whether you have a leak in your plumbing. If water begins to collect on your property but outside of view, you might notice unexplainable odors.

Stagnant water will start to produce a musty smell if left alone for some time. This is abnormal even with heavy usage of plumbing systems that work properly. Mold and mildew can also give off a strange smell. Know that odors like these should be looked into by a professional.

Low Water Pressure

A leak in your pipes can impact the effectiveness of your entire plumbing system. If you realize that water from your faucets seems to flow more slowly or with less pressure, a leak could be disrupting the system.

If water is escaping through a leak, it may not flow with the force it should through the rest of your property. So a change in the water pressure could be a good sign that you should call a plumber for a leak detection check.

Increased Water Bills

You may use more water during certain times of the year, such as for landscaping in the summer months. This could lead to a rise in your water bill. But a larger jump in your bill with seemingly no reason could mean you have a leak in your plumbing system.

Water escaping through a leak in a pipe will make it look like you use more water on your property, increasing the charges on your utility bill. If you see an unexplainable spike in your bill, you should consult with a plumber to see if a hidden leak is causing this issue.