Leak Detection
Common Hidden Leaks
At times it may be obvious where the water is coming from, but many leaks are hidden behind walls, in the ceiling, or under your home’s floors. Hidden leaks can potentially go unnoticed for years, leading to extensive damage before you are even aware that there is a problem.
Without the right equipment, identifying the source of the leak on your own may prove to be challenging. At Leeson Plumbing, our technicians use electronic water leak detection equipment designed to pinpoint the exact location of the leak. This allows us to repair the damage as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Where to find the most common hidden leaks in your home:
Water pipe leaks behind walls- Water supply line leaks
- Sewer pipe leaks
Water pipe leaks behind wallsDid You Know?
According to the EPA, “the average household’s leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year and ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day.
Common types of leaks found in the home are worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and other leaking valves. These types of leaks are often easy to fix, requiring only a few tools and hardware that can pay for themselves in water savings. Fixing easily corrected household water leaks can save homeowners about 10 percent on their water bills.”
WaterSense. (2021, Aug 21). Fix a Leak Week. United States Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week
Pipe Leaks Behind Walls
There are a variety of things that can lead pipes in the walls of your home to burst or leak. Corrosion, water pressure, and clogs are just a few of the contributing factors to plumbing pipe damage. Left unrepaired, water damage can create an unhealthy environment for your family, as mold and mildew grow in the walls and the floors.
There are many warning signs of a hidden leak, and if you know what to look for, you may be able to avoid more serious damage and expensive repairs.
Some of the signs of a hidden pipe leak to be aware of are the following:
- An increase in your water bill
- Pooling water on the floor
- A drop in your water pressure
- Water stains on the walls, ceiling, or floors
- Noises such as dripping, hissing, or knocking
- Damp spots on your carpet or floor
- Moldy, discolored, or warped floorboards and walls
Water Supply Line Leaks
Unanticipated pipe damage can be the result of extreme changes in climate, ground movement, soil conditions, or poor construction. Leak detection can be difficult, especially for systems that are supposed to remain underground. However, there are some warning signs that every homeowner should be aware of. If you notice any of the following things occurring in or around your home, it’s best to contact a professional plumber to determine the root cause of the issue.
Puddles in the Street, Driveway, or Yard
This is one of the most common symptoms of a main water line leak. If a pipe were to burst underground, the water has nowhere to go but out into the street. If you notice bubbling water in the street in front of your home, you should reach out to a plumber as soon as possible.
Water & Sinkholes in the Yard
Unexplained water puddles and sinkholes in your yard may indicate that you have a leak in your main water line. Not only are these signs unsightly, but they can also be dangerous.
Wet Walls & Floors
The easiest way to find a water leak is to inspect the floor, walls, and ceiling. Excess moisture is a sign of a leak in your pipes. If you think your pipes may be leaking, it’s best to have an inspection done of your plumbing system to reveal any issues that may be undetectable at first glance.
Discolored Drywall
If you notice discoloration of the walls in your home, it may be an indication of a main water line leak. If you notice this, check to see if your walls are damp and look for wet rings or mold on your ceiling and walls.
Sewer Leaks
If you have a backup every time you flush or run water down your sink or bathtub drain, the problem is most likely in your main sewer line. You may have cracks in your sewer pipes, allowing the surrounding soil in. Other potential causes are pipes that are no longer aligned or the incursion of tree roots. Be on the lookout for the following:
Sewer Gas Odor
Sewage pipes are intended to be impervious, so if you smell sewer odor, you most likely have damaged pipes.
Mold Growth
A cracked sewer pipe can cause humidity, which in turn leads to mold growth. If you notice mold growing in addition to a sewage odor, you most likely have pipe damage.
Sinkholes and Foundation Cracks
If the main sewer line under your home develops a leak and is left unattended for a prolonged period of time, the water will cause the soil to shift, leading to cracks in the foundation of your home. In more serious cases, you may develop sinkholes. You can learn more about cracks in your home’s slab foundation by visiting the Slab Leak Repair page on our website.
Request Service
If you are experiencing any of the leak issues described, call Leeson Plumbing to assess and repair the damage. Submit a request for service using the form below. For the fastest response to urgent plumbing issues, please call or text Ryan Leeson at 949-237-0045.
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