Most homeowners are not at all familiar with all of the pipes, fittings, and fixtures that make up the plumbing system in their homes. And that is because all we really want to know is that when we turn on a faucet or shower, we are going to get water. But there can be times when your plumbing is trying to tell you something very, VERY important. And the message is that you have a leak in your home somewhere. So understanding a few simple hints can save you a great deal of time, money, and frustration.
The Obvious Message
When you notice an unusual wet area in your home or in your yard, that is a clear sign that you have an issue, and it is likely a leak in your plumbing. In your yard, the giveaway is often a muddy area or a section of grass that is much taller and even more green than the surrounding turf. These are telltale signs of a water leak. When the leak is inside your home, you might notice a moist area on the floor or even a wet section of drywall on a wall or ceiling. Unless you have spilled water recently, these unusual wet areas are indicating a leak and the need to call a professional plumber very quickly.
What Is That Sound?
On those rare occasions when you are relaxing at home in total peace and quiet, you might notice that you are hearing a dripping sound. If you are fortunate, you will be able to determine that the sound is coming from a leaking faucet or showerhead. But there are times when you will figure out that the sound is the loudest when you are standing in the middle of the hallway or inside a room that does not have any water service. This is certain to make your stomach tighten and beads of sweat to instantly appear on your forehead, but the solution is to quickly contact a professional plumber to come to your home and find and fix the leak before it causes major water damage.
The Dreaded Huge Water Bill
Most homeowners are fairly happy to pay a single bill and know that they will have water whenever they want or need it and that getting this water does not entail carrying a bucket out to a well and cranking on a pump lever. But when you open your water bill and do a double take, then you most likely have a water leak. A sudden and unexplained increase in your water bill and in the amount of water that you used is a clear sign of a leak. And it is also a clear sign that you need a professional plumber to come to find and repair the leak, as you have not noticed where that water is going.
Wait For It…But Why
As we mentioned before, turning on a faucet and getting water instantly is one of life’s simple pleasures, but also one we take for granted until the water does not arrive as expected. When you turn on the kitchen sink and notice that it takes forever for a glass to fill or to rinse a dish, then you are experiencing a drop in your water pressure or water supply. Most of the time this decrease is due to a leak that is depleting your water pressure. You can even test this theory by trying several faucets to see if all of them have a pressure loss, or if the issue could just be a single faucet. But either way, the solution is calling your trusted plumber for a repair.
The possibility of a water leak should always be taken very seriously, because undetected, that water can be causing a great deal of damage to your home or your yard. And the longer the leak lingers, the greater the potential for the growth of toxic black mold. The best solution is always a call to your plumber.
