6 Sign Of A Water Leak In Your Home

Most homeowners are very casual when it comes to thinking about water leaks. They picture a slowly dripping faucet or outdoor hose bib and dismiss it as nothing to be concerned about. After all, a small drip of water would go down the drain or be absorbed by the soil. So there is no reason to worry or spend any money to correct it. These ambivalent homeowners are not considering that a small water leak almost always grows into a big, expensive water leak.

Below are six critical signs of a water leak that every homeowner should recognize and address before they turn into massive leaks that cause thousands of dollars in water damage. Being proactive is the only way to stop a leak for a few dollars rather than waiting until it is a budget buster.

1. An unexplainably large water bill – When you discover a substantial increase in your water bill, it is time to take action. Unless there was a sudden rate increase, that bill is a signal that there is a lot of water going somewhere. And that usually means a significant water leak.
2. The sound of running water – It might be that you only hear the sound late at night when your home is silent. But rest assured, if the water is leaking at night, it is leaking all the time. When all the water is off inside and outside your home, take a look at your water meter. It should not be moving at all. If it is slowly turning or sporadically moving, then you have a leak and need to call your trusted plumber.
3. Wet or damp floors – Suddenly stepping onto moist carpet or a wet floor is not a good feeling. And when you know that is not the result of an accident from the dog or a small child, your level of concern should skyrocket. The moisture could be due to a slab leak that is soaking through the floor, or a leaking pipe in a nearby wall or area of the floor. But the only way to prevent expensive water damage and the potential of nasty mold growth is to call in a licensed plumber to discover the source of the water.
4. Foul odors – If you have noticed an odd/bad smell in your home that you cannot explain, the issue could be mold and mildew growth in the walls, floors, or ceilings. It takes less than 48 hours for mold to begin to grow in moist conditions. And the worst part is that the mold is only part of your problem. The leaking water will also cause expensive damage to the structure of your home.
5. Lush green spots in the lawn – Sure, you are proud of a lush green lawn. But if only a small section is vivid green and lush, then there is a problem. A water leak in the area is helping that section of grass to grow more rapidly and more lushly than the rest of your lawn. Check for moist or overly soft spots to locate the leak. It could be just a leak in your irrigation system, or it could be the main water supply line running into your house.
6. Wall Cracks – Slight cracks in your home’s foundation and your basement walls occur over time. And in most cases, this is nothing to worry about. But if you notice a significant crack that is newly formed, there is reason to be concerned. Cracks that are running vertical or diagonal indicate that the walls are shifting. And the most common cause of this shift is a water leak. If left unaddressed, the walls will continue to shift and compromise your home’s integrity and safety.

When you notice any of these six signs of a water leak in your home, the smart choice is to address the issue while it is as small and affordable as possible. Call (706) 303-0987 to schedule an appointment with a licensed plumber from Drain Surgeon. Our team has the expertise and experience to quickly locate the problem and provide you with a cost-effective and fully warrantied solution.