As a Bloomfield Hills homeowner, it’s always a dreaded moment when you are drinking your morning coffee and detect something has suddenly gone awry with your plumbing system. You may have noticed that your water bill is abnormally high while looking over your bills. Or, you may see the first signs of water damage on your kitchen ceiling.
These are just two common indicators of a hidden plumbing leak, a problem that could cost you more than a few extra dollars on your water bill. In addition, leaks can lead to some rather significant property damage and even health concerns. Luckily, professional plumbers have advanced diagnostic tools to detect elusive water leaks hidden behind your walls and under your floors. This noninvasive approach to leak detection allows professionals to bring you a fast resolution to your issue before it gets out of hand. Here is a list of six telltale signs you should call a professional plumber to investigate a possible hidden water leak.
1. A Persistent Musty Smell in Your Home
Have you noticed a lingering musty odor upon entering the house, particularly after a recent cleaning session? This smell is a potential red flag that often points to an elusive water leak hidden somewhere within your plumbing system. If water leaks like this go unchecked for a substantial time, your home will develop a distinctive smell of mildew. Eventually, these odors will permeate throughout your entire house.
The unwelcome scents are concerning because they represent more than a persistent annoyance you can resolve by cleaning carpets. When moisture from a leaky plumbing system starts seeping into your walls, floors, or ceilings, the moisture can create a breeding ground for mold. After detecting these odors, you should be worried about more than just the uncomfortable smell. If you suddenly notice mysterious mold and mildew smells at your house, don’t wait. Contact a professional who has the experience and equipment to find the leak and solve the problem.
2. An Unexplained Spike in Your Water Bill
An unanticipated increase in your water bill is another obvious indicator that something has run afoul with your plumbing system. If your municipal water rates have remained the same, and you’re not consuming more water while your bill is unusually high, you likely have a hidden water leak. Elusive water leaks such as these often fall completely undetected as they ratchet up your usage. This problem, of course, leads to more waste, higher costs, and a potentially costly plumbing repair if you don’t address the issue promptly.
Professional plumber’s advanced leak detection systems and in-depth knowledge of the array of plumbing idiosyncrasies found in homes ensure they find a leak fast. Even a small, steady drip can add gallons of wasted water to your monthly utility bills. Wasting water like this can really add up at the end of the year. It’s one of those home maintenance issues that will unexpectedly impact your wallet if it falls off your radar.
3. The Presence of Mold and Mildew
We’ve already mentioned that mold and mildew odors are a clear warning sign of a potential water leak. However, if you’ve already made a visual identification of these unwelcome house guests, experts recommend you call a professional plumber as soon as possible. These fungi undoubtedly signal a water leak hidden somewhere in your plumbing system.
Mold and mildew thrive in damp, warm environments like the interior of your home. Evasive plumbing leaks give mold and mildew the perfect opportunity to flourish. Visible mold is clearly an urgent health concern. Remember, it can readily take hold behind your walls and under your floors without you even noticing. Either way, mold and mildew, no matter where they are, compromise indoor air safety and quality. If you’ve recently noticed mold growth in your home, schedule a professional water leak inspection as soon as you can.
4. Peeling Paint and Wallpaper
When your paint and wallpaper start blistering and separating from your wall, this is more than just an interior design issue. You likely have water escaping from your plumbing systems from somewhere behind your walls. Invisible leaks will often start presenting themselves with brown stains.
Your wallpaper coming loose and peeling paint are also clear indicators that you need to get to the root of an invisible water leak ASAP. Expert plumbers will identify the source of the hidden leak before providing the repairs necessary to protect your home. Visible seeping water can quickly develop into a more concerning issue. If left unchecked for even a few days, the escaping water could escalate into an expensive home repair.
5. Low Water Pressure
Everybody has their own water pressure preferences. But if the pressure of your showers and faucets has been reduced to a weak trickle, this could signal a leak somewhere within your plumbing system. It is possible that water is being diverted from where it needs to go, preventing your household members from continuing with their daily activities.
Of course, if you’re inexperienced with the art and science of advanced plumbing, finding the source of a problem like this can seem next to impossible. Fortunately, you don’t have to go on a wild goose chase looking for a hidden plumbing leak that could be anywhere, even underground, in the pipes leading from your municipal water supply to your Bloomfield Hills home. Don’t let an evasive plumbing leak put a damper on your daily routine. Give a professional a call at the first sign of low water pressure.
6. You Hear Running Water
Whenever you hear sounds of water running while the tap is off, this is rarely a good sign. Unfortunately, this issue is common in homes on a slab foundation. The leak may be under the concrete and hard to locate.
Fortunately, a plumber can find a slab leak and often fix the problem without digging up your flooring. Trenchless pipe repair involves using an epoxy pipe liner to seal the pipe, and a professional can complete most of these types of plumbing repairs in a single day. The new lining can last up to 50 years. If the damage to the pipe is too severe, another alternative is water pipe rerouting. This solution is not ideal because it involves running a new pipe that may be visible after installation. However, it is a cheaper and less disruptive option than tearing up your flooring and slab foundation to fix the pipe.
Matheson: Your Full-Service Partner for Plumbing and Indoor Air Comfort
Elusive plumbing leaks are a hassle. However, failing to address them immediately can introduce several potentially expensive water damage issues to your Bloomfield Hills property. Our expert team at Matheson Heating, Air, and Plumbing has the training and experience to provide a full range of plumbing services, including elusive leak detection and repair. We also offer professional heating and cooling services to our Bloomfield Hills and surrounding area clients to keep their indoor air environment safe and comfortable through Michigan’s most intense seasonal weather. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our professionals.