How to Spot Hidden Plumbing Leaks: 7 Warning Signs Every Homeowner Should Know

As a UK homeowner, you would probably understand or have heard from someone else about plumbing leaks and their possibility. Some are very obvious, while others are hidden in the walls and floors and even within the ceilings until it's too late, meaning significant damage has been done. Knowing the subtle signs of a hidden leak is one of the great pieces of knowledge you need to acquire in 2024.

Read this web guide on how to detect signs of a critical leak indication and know when to call in leak detection services professionals.

1. Increase in Unexplainable Water Bills

Water bill booms could be one of the hidden leaks in your plumbing system. If you have been consistent with your utilisation but experienced an increasing trend in your water bill, then check it. The slightest running faucet or toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water.

For instance, if it is hidden behind a wall, such as located within your pipes, you might not notice it unless you get a bill that reflects the impact of the leakage. Professional plumbing inspections can prevent shock expenses as a result of leak detection early enough.

2. Water Stains or Discolouration

A damp spot or discolouration on the face of your wall, floor, or ceiling presents an obvious sign of a concealed pipe leakage. As time progresses, the leaked water from a hidden pipe leak will seep into the building materials and cause stains, warping, or growing of mould. Thus, you are supposed to act quickly if you notice such symptoms. Structural damage and health risks from mould are most likely to happen if you fail to notice the visible symptoms.

Specialised equipment will be used by a skilled residential plumbing professional for the location and fixing of the hidden plumbing leak.

3. Smelly Odours

A musty or mouldy smell in your house's basement, bathroom, or kitchen often points out hidden plumbing leaks.

This is because there are moulds or mildew thriving in damp areas due to continuous leaks of water. It's amazing that these moulds take only 24-48 hours to spread through any area exposed continuously to water. It not only spoils the place but also endangers your health along with that of your family. If you sense a musty smell, you should call the leak detection services right away to identify the source of moisture and avoid more damage.

4. Low Water Pressure

You are probably wondering how low water pressure could cause a pipe leak, right?

So, aside from being inconvenient sometimes, an unexpected loss of water pressure can actually be a symptom of a plumbing leak that is not really in plain sight. Water can be leaked out from the system through leaks, which then reduces the pressure on your faucets, showers, and other fixtures as well. If it's confined to just one fixture, it could be localised. However, if the pressure drop spreads throughout your house, then it could be a sign of something worse; perhaps an undetectable leak in your main water line.

These need professional plumbing repair to control pressure and prevent damage.

5. Cracks in the Foundation

Not very often is the word "leakage" probably the first to come into the mind of homeowners, but it can easily be materialised by cracks in your home's foundation. The process may also be indirect in cases of leakage pipes where water infiltrates the home's foundation and shifts, cracks, or even erodes the foundation over time. The process can easily occur, especially in older homes and those with very outdated plumbing systems. In case you notice new cracks developing on your walls or foundation, it would do well to have the plumbing system inspected for the likelihood of having a leak caused by the cracks. This may become a serious structural issue and costly repair if it is ignored.

6. Yard Wet or Soggy Spots

Leaks can also come from underground pipes outside your home, such as the main water line or the irrigation system. Moisture from the hidden leaks can bring wet or soggy spots on the yard fast, even after heavy rains. If you discover areas of grass that are greener than normal or wet spots in your yard that never completely dry up, this could indicate you have an underground pipe leak. This can likely be a stepping stone towards water accumulation surrounding your home's foundation if left unchecked. Leak detection services will prove useful at a time when you need to identify the leak and carry out an inspection of your plumbing system, which will, in turn, initiate the right repair of your plumbing.

7. Sounds of Running Water

If you can always hear water running when all your faucets are turned off, then it is more than likely that you have a hidden plumbing leak. When no fixtures are in use, the sound of water moving through your pipes usually means that there is water leaking somewhere in your plumbing system. This is not an easy one to detect without professional help. When running water or dripping sounds are associated with you, it is best that you call in a residential plumber to repair the plumbing issues.

Protect Your Home with Early Leak Detection

In 2024, being proactive over those hard-to-detect leaks will be very crucial in maintaining the integrity of your homes. Leakage detection at an early stage can be handy by sensing these seven warning signs to prevent expensive repairs and sudden replacements. Don't ignore unusual signs like rises in your water bills without obvious reason, damp walls, or the sound of running water - it's time to turn to professional leak detection services for proper protecti on against hidden leaks that would destroy your home.

Book My Buddy offers 100% leak detection and repair services that save your home from unknown plumbing problems. Our experts use updated technology to detect even the smallest leaks, saving them time and money.

Avoid a small drip from becoming an enormous problem; visit our website now to get started on completing our GET FREE QUOTE form, or give us a call at 02080887170 today to schedule your plumbing inspection!