Locating a Leak Early Can Stop a Mess in Its Tracks
The drip, drip, drip of a leaky pipe is more than a mood-killer on a romantic night in. That sinister dripping signals a big problem is brewing somewhere in the home. Leaks may seem like a minor issue at first, but over time, they can develop into a full-blown nightmare that could ruin any day of the year. When it comes to leaks, stopping them sooner is better than later.
Keep reading to find out how to find leaks in the home, and learn how to get them taken care of before they can ruin Valentine’s Day.
Signs of Water Leaking in the Home
Leaks often go hidden in the home until they’ve become a big problem. However, leaks leave signs for homeowners before they become disasters. A person just has to know what signs to look for.
- Moist and Muggy Air: Does the house suddenly smell like dirt? Does the air feel more humid than a rainstorm? There’s probably a leak somewhere. Leaks drip water in a home, which, when left stagnant, produces moist and muggy air, leaving the house smelling like a grotto or lake.
- Mold and Mildew: The moist air created by leaks leads to the creation of the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. While a little bit of mildew in the bathroom is normal, if it’s cropping up in large patches or mold has started growing somewhere else in the home, a leak is likely to blame.
- Rust and Stains: Increased water stains around the home and the tell-tale brownish-red stains of rust are a sure sign of water leaks. Over time, leaks will erode the pipes and fixtures of a home by encouraging rust growth.
- Higher Water Bills: If the water bill has started running a lot higher lately, a leak may be to blame. Leaks reduce the efficiency and capabilities of pipes to run water to the faucets and fixtures of a home. The water system will work harder to produce the needed water, increasing the water bill.
Dangers of Leaks
While leaks may start as a nuisance, they can quickly become a major issue in the home.
- Illness From Breathing Mold: Leaks contribute to the growth of mold and mildew in the home. While most varieties of mold and mildew are relatively harmless, the spores are irritants to children, the elderly, and people with breathing trouble. Mold is an insidious pest that can easily spread to the ductwork and pipes, creating an even bigger problem that is far costlier to repair.
- Water Contamination: Depending on where the leak is located, water integrity can be compromised in the home. If sewage pipes are leaking, hazardous materials can be introduced into the home, posing a health hazard to its occupants.
- Structural Damages: Leaks can lead to extreme damage to the home’s structure. The home’s foundation can be damaged, making the home unsafe for occupation and costing a small fortune to repair.
- Interior Damage: Leaks are likely to cause interior damage to the home. Dry-wall, wood, insulation, carpet, and flooring are quick to succumb to water damage and can be quite costly to replace.
How Professionals Locate and Fix Leaks
There are several methods plumbers use to detect and fix leaks.
Plumbers may use acoustic listening devices in combination with heat scanners to detect where water is escaping from pipes. For difficult to locate leaks, plumbers may insert a camera into the pipes and snake their way through the system until the leak is located.
Repairing leaks can be as simple as tightening a loose part or as complex as replacing the entire pipe. Experienced plumbers will be able to quickly detect if a washer needs to be replaced to stop a leak, if a new sink part needs installing, or if a pipe needs replacing to stop the water from escaping.
Working with a professional plumber to locate and repair leaks in the home can take care of plumbing worries before Valentine’s Day arrives so homeowners can focus on romantic plans instead of plumbing nightmares.
About TR Miller Heating & Plumbing
TR Miller Heating & Plumbing is a family-owned and operated plumbing and HVAC company that works hard to treat every client like family. They treat your home like they would their own, leaving it in perfect condition on their way out the door. Contact them to schedule water leak detection in Plainfield, IL today!
