10 Signs You May Have a Leak in Your Home

Left undetected, a water leak can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Even the smallest leaks can account for a significant amount of water waste. Whether it is a dripping faucet, a toilet that won’t stop running or lower than normal water pressure, if you suspect a water leak in your home, address it as soon as possible.

Irreparable leak damage is the most common when the leak has been small and has snuck up on the homeowner. Routinely check for pipe damage and leaks around your home. These 10 signs that you may have a leak in your home can help you spot any irregularities or red flags.

  1. Cracked foundation.

A cracked foundation is the most severe symptom of a water leak in your home. If you notice a crack in your foundation call a professional immediately. This indicates a slab leak from your water main and is creating stress on the foundation resulting in the cracks.

These leaks are very hard to notice at first. They are slow and do not show the usual signs such as a significant increase in your water bill or a noticeable output of water. They easily sneak up on homeowners and can result in costly fixes.

  1. High water bills.

A significant increase in your water bill without increasing water usage is a tell-tale sign there is a leak in your home. To determine if this is the case, use the leak indicator on your water meter.

To do this, turn off all water appliances in the house and outdoors. Then, check the leak indicator on your water meter to see if the dial is moving. Another option is to take a meter reading and then take it again in 1-2 hours. If you notice a difference then there is probably a leak. The faster these numbers increase, the larger the leak.

This will not help you identify where the leak is, but it can help you catch a problem before it becomes bigger. If you suspect there is a leak in your home but are unsure of where it is coming from, Universal Home Experts offers a non-invasive leak detection to get to the bottom of the problem.

  1. Toilet trouble.

Toilets are typically silent and out of sight making it easy for them to go unnoticed. Flush handle problems on the toilet or a constantly running toilet could indicate a leak. Larger leaks can be identified when the valve makes a hissing or gurgling sound when the toilet is not being used.

  1. Wet spots on walls, ceilings or floors.

Water damage to walls, ceilings or floors can indicate water leaks. These usually appear as wet spots, discoloration, or condensation. They can eventually cause mold or mildew and lead to bigger problems if left unchecked.

  1. Hot floors.

A warmer than normal floor could be a sign of a slab leak. The hot water heats up the concrete foundation, which then heats up your floor. Slab leaks are difficult to detect and can cause significant damage to concrete foundation. It is important to call a professional for leak detection as soon as a slab leak sign appears.

  1. Odors from drains or sewers.

Constant odors from drains or sewers that remain after cleaning are not normal. Thoroughly clean areas, such as the bathroom and kitchen, where potential leaks could occur. If the smell is still there then it could indicate a leak.

  1. Issues with pool maintenance.

Even just a loss of 1/8 inch of water in a single day from your pool could indicate a significant leak. Other pool maintenance issues such as loose tiles, pool deck cracks, pool shell cracks and constantly damp soil around the pool, may also indicate a pool leak.

  1. Mold or mildew on non-shower walls.

Leaky pipes can develop mold and mildew on non-shower walls. If you notice either of these, call a plumber immediately to determine where the leak is coming from.

  1. Lower than normal water pressure.

Water pressure decreases with just a small leak in your water line. A sudden decrease in water pressure could mean a large leak. Contact a professional immediately.

  1. A slow dripping faucet.

A dripping faucet is both annoying and wasteful. Just one can waste more than 1000 gallons per year. The good news is that these are usually easy fixes if you are a little familiar with household tools and your drain. Don’t let that dripping faucet keep you up at night. Get a handle on it as soon as you can.

Leaks only get worse when left undetected. If you notice any unusual water or think you may have a leak call Universal Home Experts today. We offer same day service. Our experts can help you detect and repair leaks. If you think you may have a leak in your home, don’t wait! Call our experts at (713) 364-0226 today!

Universal Home Experts is your trusted source for all of your plumbing, electrical, and HVAC needs. We service the entire Houston area. For more information on our home services, give us a call at (713) 364-0226 (available 24/7). Or you can visit us online or drop us a message on our FacebookTwitter, and Google+ pages.