Leaking plumbing can be a serious problem, leading to water damage and other issues in your home. Taking care of any plumbing problems early is the key to ensuring you can protect our home and prevent further damage that would cost more to fix. Unfortunately, these leaks can be difficult to identify unless you know what to look for, making it difficult to get assistance in a timely manner. The following are some signs to watch out for.

A Sudden Water Bill Increase

For most people, water use is a relatively steady thing. You may see some minor fluctuations, such as a water bill rising as you water your lawn a bit more during the spring and summer months or when you fill up your pool for the summer, but it should stay at a stable rate overall. If you see a significant increase in your water bill without a good reason for it, you may want to hire a plumber to check for any leaks that need to be repaired.

Mold and Mildew Develops

Mold and mildew typically grow in moist, cool environments. If you notice mold or mildew is starting to grow someplace where it previously didn’t exist, chances are you have a moisture problem somewhere. This could be caused by a leaking pipe or a lack of waterproofing in your basement or foundation. The bottom line is it’s best to get it checked out as soon as possible.

The Water Meter Keeps Moving

Your water meter should only be increasing with the use of water. Most people don’t have a constant flow of water in there home, at least not on purpose. Keep an eye on your water meter and monitor it for changes. If you notice it seems to constantly be running, you might want to check for a leak somewhere in your home’s plumbing. This goes hand in hand with the increase in your water bill.

Wet Spots

There are certain areas of your home that simply shouldn’t be exposed to moisture, which means you’re likely to notice if there are new wet spots occurring. These wet spots could appear in your ceiling, along the walls or on the floor. However, it’s important to keep in mind the location of these wet spots may have little correlation to exactly where you are experiencing a leak. Water can often flow between the walls and along the floor before it appears as a wet spot.

Cracks in Your Foundation

While foundation cracks can appear because of external moisture and a lack of basement waterproofing, this isn’t the only reason for foundation cracking. One of the areas you need to explore is whether you have any leaky pipes inside your home that are causing water to leak around your foundation as well.

Taking care of water leaks early can help you keep your home’s structural integrity in good shape and prevent the need for more expensive repairs. Follow these guidelines to help you identify problems before they become more serious.