Your home can experience water damage in numerous ways. One way this can occur is due to a water leak. While a leak might seem minimal and potentially harmless, the water will continuously drip until the leak has been repaired. The water will accumulate and cause damage to your property. Given enough time, this can result in severe structural harm and can even lead to mold growth.
Knowing this, it is imperative you get any water leaks in your home repaired as soon as possible. However, this can be a tough task if you are unable to locate the water leak. Even if you cannot see or find the leak on your own, there are signs of a leak that you can keep an eye out for.
If you suspect your home has a water leak somewhere, look out for the following signs.
Damp Drywall and Other Wet Spots Around the Home
If you find damp drywall in your home, this can indicate that the pipe behind it has been leaking. The water leaking from the pipe is being absorbed by the drywall, causing it to become damp. There can also be wet spots on the floor/ceiling if the pipes beneath/above it have leaked.
Similar to damp drywall, other wet spots around the home can be signs of a leak. The affected materials may have become discolored due to the water absorption. You will want to pay special attention to the spaces near sinks, tubs, showers, toilets, and other areas where moisture is common.
Running Water Noises
Hearing water running through the pipes is normal when someone is taking a shower, washing dishes, or using the laundry machine. However, there is some sort of problem, such as a water leak, if you are hearing water run when no faucets or appliances are being used. The area where the sound is the loudest is likely where the issue stems from.
Unexpected Increase in Your Home’s Water Bills
For the most part, your water bills will be consistent unless there is a reason for higher water use. For example, if you have relatives staying at your home for an extended period, then your home’s water bill will be higher but in an anticipated manner.
If you notice your water bills have become abnormally more expensive, this is reason for concern. One explanation for this can be a water leak. Your home does not usually have water leaking, so the amount of water will add up by the end of the month and can be seen through the increase in billing charges.
Cracks in Your Home’s Foundation
When water reaches your home’s foundation, it can seep in and cause cracks to form. If this happens over an extended period of time, then the foundation suffers further harm, weakening the home’s structure. Cracks in the foundation worsen and can also develop in your home’s walls.
Low Water Pressure
When your home has a water leak, it can cause low water pressure. If you turn on faucets or use the shower, you might get a weaker, less steady stream of water from them instead of a reliable, strong water stream.
Unpleasant Smells
If there is a water leak that has been left unaddressed for an extended period of time, then it is likely that it has resulted in mold growth. Mold needs moisture to form colonies, making mold growth likely in the aftermath of a water leak. When mold grows, it gives off a musty odor. So if you encounter such a smell at home, then it might be mold that has grown as a response to the water leak.
Getting Professional Help for a Water Leak
Knowing the aforementioned signs of a leak will help you better detect leaks in your home. If you discover a water leak, act immediately to minimize the damage it causes your home. Water damage of any kind will only worsen the longer it goes unaddressed.
ServiceMaster Restoration and Cleaning can assist with your water leak problem through the professional water damage restoration services we offer in Houston, TX, and the surrounding communities. We are available 24/7, so we can help out with your water-related emergency no matter the time of day.
Our highly trained water damage technicians will find and fix the water leak. Using specialized equipment, we immediately extract excess water and moisture and thoroughly dry your property. Following water removal and drying, our professionals sanitize and clean your home. If the water leak has caused mold growth, our professional technicians can provide necessary mold remediation help.
With help from our water damage restoration services, the water leak in your home will be properly addressed, excess water and moisture will be removed, and your home will restored to a clean and safe living space.
