Billions of gallons of water are wasted every year from leaky pipes in homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Although numerous signs indicate when pipes are leaking, most homeowners and property managers ignore the leak at first. When the leak becomes so severe that it needs to be addressed, the fixes can be very costly.
If you suspect pipes are leaking, waiting to address leads to nowhere good. Fix it as soon as possible. A leaking pipe does not go away. It only gets worse and that 'worse' can be very expensive to fix. If you think you have a leaky pipe, have it looked at by a plumber.
Homeowners will want any signs that their pipes are leaking checked out as soon as they know something is wrong. Here is what you need to look for.
Jump to:
- 1. You Hear Dripping
- 2. Weak Water Flow
- 3. There Is a Musty Smell
- 4. Your Utility Bills Are Increasing
- 5. Mold and Mildew Outside of Your Washroom
- 6. Stains on the Ceiling, Walls, or Flooring
- 7. You Are Starting to See Signs of Rot
- 8. Wet Spots Outside or Inside
- 9. Your Water Meter Is Running
- 10. Foundation Cracks
1. You Hear Dripping
In some cases, a leaking pipe can be so worse off that you will hear dripping. A leaky pipe isn't always going to make sound, but if you've been living somewhere for long enough, you know what everything sounds like. If you suddenly hear dripping in the walls or ceiling, have it looked at.
2. Weak Water Flow
Low water pressure is a sign that enough water isn't being distributed through the pipes. You may see weak water flow in one location – which could be a sign of an issue with the faucet – or multiple areas around the home. If you are seeing weak water flow happening with any other signs of leaking pipes, it's a definitive sign that you need to have this looked at immediately.
3. There Is a Musty Smell
A musty smell is a sure sign that something is wrong, especially in a newer home. A leaky pipe spreading moisture out of sight will still lead to mildew inside the walls, out from the vents, and under the floor. No room should feel musty. If that's what you're smelling, it's likely attributable to a leaky pipe. Drops of water gather and over time, a nasty odor gradually appears.
4. Your Utility Bills Are Increasing
It should be fairly easy to look at a month-by-month comparison of your water usage and understand that something's wrong. The cost of water might be high on certain months if you have to do something like filling a pool, water the lawn, work the sprinkler, etc. A high-water bill without explanation, however, is a sign you may have a leaky pipe.
5. Mold and Mildew Outside of Your Washroom
Mold and mildew around the tub are fairly common. It's a high-moisture area, creating the perfect conditions in which mold can grow. When you see visible mold and mildew on walls, baseboards, ceilings, or floors, this isn't normal. It doesn't guarantee there's a leaking pipe, but it's absolutely in need of a proper look.
6. Stains on the Ceiling, Walls, or Flooring
Subtle damage in the form of stains or the outline of a watermark somewhere suggests something is amiss behind the spot you're looking at. Even if it's barely noticeable, a stain does not randomly appear. If the stain is located near a water pipe, you can almost be sure that's where it's from.
7. You Are Starting to See Signs of Rot
In a properly built home, you may not see visible signs of rotting right away. Gradually though, your ceiling may start to sag ever slightly. You may notice a wall being bendable when you're leaning up against it. The floorboards you walk on may become uncharacteristically creaky. If there's anywhere you see yourself sink into it, this is a sign that a leaky pipe has become an issue. There's no permanent damage that will need to be removed.
8. Wet Spots Outside or Inside
Although it's not very common, if a pipe's leaking bad enough, you may discover puddles outdoors or indoors. If it hasn't rained, assume something's amiss. You may find these on your lawn, right next to the house, or indoors close to the wall. You can bet, if left unaddressed, you'll eventually encounter more water and likely mold and mildew.
9. Your Water Meter Is Running
Shut off all the water in your home. No toilets or appliances should be running or using water. Once you're sure everything's off, have a glimpse at your water meter. If it's not entirely stopped, that's an immediate sign a pipe is leaking. Do keep in mind to test this, you shouldn't be using a home's electric meter. A property is always using some electricity. You have to look at the water meter itself.
10. Foundation Cracks
When a leaking pipe is more serious, you may even see foundation cracks appear. This can be difficult to diagnose because small hairline cracks in the ceiling or drywall can occur over time from a home naturally settling. This does happen. That said, when cracks begin to widen quickly, this could be a sign of severe structural damage about to occur. You should have it inspected. A cracked and sinking foundation can tear apart doors, windows, walls, and floors.
