How Concealed Leaks affect your Home
Leaking pipes are an issue that must be addressed immediately. Concealed leaks can lead to a wide range of problems including structural damage, mold, and a decreased level of air quality. While leak indicators are often visual, sometimes they aren’t. If you notice a considerable increase in your water bill, this may indicate that you have a concealed pipe leak. In order to stop leaks before they lead to serious damage, you must learn where to look for the leak and what you are looking for.
How To Trace a Concealed Pipe Leak
1. Look for discoloration on the walls in your house. There are several types of discoloration that are caused by concealed pipe leaks, like stains with distinct borders, black streaks or gray streaks. Make sure that you the entire wall over because pipe joints, called fittings, are often placed at the corners of the wall or where the wall borders the floor or ceiling.
2. Make sure that you wear gloves when you inspect your walls for dampness, as some types of mold are harmful to you health. If you want to test an area for dampness, rub the area, with gloves on, and inspect the gloves for any type of glistening to detect dampness. Then rub the tips of your fingers together to see if you feel slickness.
3. Inspect your walls for mold or mildew. This is often a very good sign that you have found an internal leak. Common colors for mold and mildew are black, white, orange or green spots. Make sure to check upper and base cabinets for mildew as well.
4. Smell the air to check for a stale or damp odor, as this is often a good sign that you are close to finding a concealed leak.
5. Leaks can often cause paint to peel or chip off. Also, run your hands across suspicious areas to check for bulging or dips; concealed leaks sometimes cause framing to swell or warp.
6. Use your ears to listen for sounds such as hissing, dripping or gushing, which is a very good indicator of concealed leaks. Tap walls and door trims around the house, a hollow sound can indicate rotting wood, which is also a good sign for possible pipe leaks. If you still unable to find the leak,it may be your best interest to call a plumber in order to detect and repair the leak.