Most people believe that leaks in the pipes are most visible and can be identified quickly.
That’s not the case at all. In fact, a large majority of leaking pipes are not always visible. Additionally, slow-leaking pipes are one of the most difficult things to identify. If you’re not aware of the signs, you won’t take any action until the pipe finally bursts or some portion of the house floods.
To take action, the following are some subtle signs that you show you have leaking pipes in your home:
Stains on the Ceiling
One of the most subtle yet visible signs of a pipe leak is a stain on the ceiling of the room. Stains can also appear on the walls as well so be mindful of this factor. These stains occur because water is slowly accumulating behind a particular part of the wall.
As the damage gets worse, the stain will continue to grow. When left unchecked, the stain can eventually start to leak water as well. A rule of thumb is that the large the stain is, the more widespread the damage is. Plus, the darker the color of the stain is, the severe the damage will be.
Wallpaper and Paint Peeling
When moisture starts to in walls, it can also cause the paint or the wallpaper to peel. In very rare cases, the paint peels because of old age. However, if it was a new coat and it starts to peel, it can be a sign of trouble. In some cases, the paint will not peel but will start to bubble up.
The wallpaper will not only peel but it will also start to rot. Eventually, mold can grow on the wallpaper and it can be hard to detect, especially if you have patterned wallpaper. Always make sure to check the wallpaper thoroughly in order to determine whether it is peeling from old age or from a leaking pipe.
Flooring Problems
If you have wood floors, water damage will be the most severe in this area. Your flooring will start to feel spongy or weak. It should be noted that usually, the walls or the roof are the major areas where excess moisture gets to.
So, if the flooring is getting affected, you know that the water damage is severe. It could also mean that a pipe under the floor is leaking and should be checked properly. Also, pay attention to the loosening of tiles and floorboards. It can also be a sign of leaking pipes.
Higher Water Bills
The biggest way you can tell if you have leaking pipes is by taking a look at your water bills. Leaking pipes will push up your water consumption which will cost you more. The consumption and cost will be visible on your bill and you can then determine whether you have a leak or not.
Conclusion
Leaking pipes aren’t always visible and can have subtle signs that are hard to detect. When you spot one, make sure to work with professionals to get the issue resolved as quickly as possible.
