Leaks are the most constant, uninvited guest at any home, showing up most often, sometimes without you even noticing. Until one day, you’re just shocked by how high your water utility charges are.
This is an extraordinary thing about leaks. No matter how many times you deal with them, you’ll still be unable to detect them right away. However, you can still change that. By knowing where to look and what to look for, you can easily tell if there’s a leak at home or not. This guide from Cornwell Plumbing will teach you just how to do that!
1. Slab Leaks Under Your Foundation
Leaks beneath the surface are the hardest to detect, which is logically coherent. Leaky pipes that run below the ground or pavements will only present themselves when damages are already done.
Often, you’ll notice cracks on your slab or sunken pavement. This is when the underground leak has already eroded the ground, weakening the foundation. But sometimes, you just have to look for the indirect symptoms of this hidden trouble.
Underground leaks often lead to soggy ground. If you notice wet patches in your yard that do not go away no matter how hot the day is, then there’s some compromised pipe below. The water escaping from the buried pipes also provides irrigation where wild plants can thrive. This is what happens next if the ground is damp enough. All the more, these wild greens can flourish if your compromised pipe is a sewer line. The nutrients from wastewater provide nutrients, fueling the wild plants’ growth.
So, the next time you see these occurrences, ring your plumber for a timely inspection.
2. Leaky Toilets That Keep Running
A running tap is easily identifiable; not only will you see the individual drips, but you can also hear them dropping in the dead of night. But a running toilet is a completely different story. There’s no sound, and you can’t see the escaping water if you don’t bend down and take a closer look.
But sometimes, it’ll get your attention immediately if water pools around your toilet’s base. There’s also the musty smell that may come from mold and mildew growth that may have been caused by moisture from your leaky toilet.
But other than that, the signs are subtle. So, if you experience a spike in your water bill without expecting it, include your toilet in your closer investigation. You can do the classic dye coloring trick. Add food dye to the toilet tank and see if the colored water seeps through the bowl without flushing. If it does, a leak is present. If you know how to DIY a toilet repair, which often only includes tightening or replacing parts in the flush mechanism, then get to it immediately. If not, call a plumber and put a stop to this silent water waster.
3. Hidden Pipe Leaks Behind Walls
Have you ever noticed mysterious stains creeping across your walls? Or maybe your paint is bubbling for no reason? Well, there’s technically a reason for that. These are warning signs of a hidden pipe leak.
Water pipes run behind walls, so leaks can go undetected for months. Moisture buildup invites mold, mildew, and costly wall damage. If your home smells musty or your drywall feels soft, you might have a leak.
Another sign? A sudden spike in your water bill. If your usage hasn’t changed, but your bill skyrockets, something’s wrong. Call a plumber to inspect it before the leak destroys your walls and floors.
4. Basement Water Line Leaks
Basements are prime spots for hidden leaks. With water lines running through walls and floors, leaks can go unnoticed for months. By the time you see water stains or mold, the damage is already done.
Ever stepped into your basement and felt a damp, musty smell? That could be a sign of a slow leak. Puddles forming near walls or rust on exposed pipes are other warnings. If your sump pump is running more than usual, a hidden leak might be adding extra water.
Ignoring basement leaks can lead to mold growth and structural damage. The sooner you act, the better. A plumber can inspect and seal leaks before they turn into major repairs and renovations.
5. Faulty Appliance Connections
Washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators all rely on water connections. But over time, hoses can loosen, crack, or burst without warning.
Ever noticed damp spots behind your appliances? That’s a red flag. A small drip may not seem urgent, but over time, it can lead to warped floors and mold. If you spot rust or mineral deposits around the hose connections, that’s another warning sign.
Don’t wait until a broken hose floods your kitchen or laundry room. Check your appliance connections regularly. If you find a leak, tighten or replace the hose before costly water damage occurs.
Get Leak Solutions that Last—Call the Best Brownsburg, IN Plumber for Durable Repairs
Hidden leaks don’t fix themselves. The longer you wait, the worse and more expensive the damage gets.
At Cornwell Plumbing, we specialize in leak detection and repair. With 36 years of experience, there’s no leak, small or big, we can’t identify and resolve. We offer affordable pricing, so quality plumbing doesn’t have to break the bank. Plus, our team responds fast—no frustrating delays, just reliable service when you need it.
Stop wasting water and money. Call Cornwell Plumbing today for expert leak repairs!
Andrew and Austin Cornwell stepped into leadership, bringing with them not just their plumbing licenses and two decades of experience each, but a vision for even better customer service.
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