You don’t need a pipe to burst to experience the consequences of a plumbing leak. Even a small, persistent leak can cause extensive property damage. Unfortunately, because many pipes are hidden behind walls and ceilings, you might not realize that your home has leaky plumbing in the first place.
Finding hidden water leaks is one of our specialties at SM Mechanical Services LLC. Our reliable plumbers in Farmington, CT, have years of experience and the right tools to pinpoint leaks anywhere within a plumbing system.
Below, we provide key tips on identifying unsuspecting plumbing leaks, allowing you to reduce the risk of water damage and other complications in your home.
Pay Attention to Increases in Water Bills
A small water leak can lead to increased water bills over time. Suppose you notice an uptick in utility expenses for your Farmington property, despite no changes in your household or water usage. In that case, the extra costs are probably due to hidden water wastage.
Gather your water bills from the last few months and compare the charges. Do you see a continuous increase? If so, it’s time to contact a professional plumber to inspect your pipes and identify the problem.
Monitor Your Farmington Home’s Water Pressure
It’s not unusual for hidden water leaks to cause water pressure issues in Farmington properties. When installing plumbing systems, experts pick specific pipe sizes to ensure sufficient pressure throughout the lines. A leak, even a minor one, can prevent the water from reaching its intended destination, resulting in a noticeable decrease in pressure.
Check the Water Meter
An easy way to determine whether hidden water leaks are causing issues for your home is to check your water meter. To do this, turn off all the faucets in your house. If the meter is still moving when all the faucets are off, you have a fast-moving leak.
If you suspect your plumbing system has a slow-moving leak, turn off your faucets for several hours. Keep checking the water meter during that time. If the meter’s readings change during that period, your system has a hidden slow leak somewhere.
Use Food Coloring in Toilets
Toilets are one of the most common sources of hidden leaks because they can waste water without creating puddles on the floor. Their connection to waste pipes and location on higher floors make them more susceptible to damage, which can result in a leak.
If you think your toilet is the culprit, add a few drops of food coloring to the water inside the tank. Don’t flush it. Instead, wait several minutes and monitor the water inside the bowl.
Did the water in the bowl change colors? If so, there’s a leak between the tank and the bowl.
Listen for Unusual Sounds
It may be possible to hear hidden water leaks. Fast leaks often produce a rushing or dripping sound behind walls. If you suspect a leak is in a specific area, go there and listen carefully for the sound of water.
Sometimes, weird noises come from faucets and not spaces behind walls. If you open a tap and hear hissing, violent vibrations, or knocking, your plumbing system may be leaking somewhere.
Watch for Mold Growth
A clear indication of excess moisture in Farmington homes is the presence of mold. This fungus thrives in damp, dark environments and feeds on decomposing organic material.
In ideal conditions, the spores will settle on surfaces and form colonies that appear as green, black, or blue specks, patches, or streaks, depending on the surface on which they grow. The growth will also produce a noticeable musty odor that will spread throughout your house.
Contact a Local Plumbing Expert for Hidden Leak Detection
The best way to confirm a hidden water leak is to get a professional plumbing system inspection. Skilled plumbers utilize various tools and equipment, including thermal imaging cameras and audio leak detectors, to locate water leaks, even in concealed locations. Once they find the problem area, they can implement lasting repairs.
Count on SM Mechanical Services LLC To Resolve Your Plumbing Leaks in Farmington
Whether you’re experiencing boiler leaks or hidden water leaks, you can rely on our team to resolve the issue promptly and effectively. SM Mechanical Services LLC, serving Farmington, Connecticut, is a top-rated plumbing company offering a wide range of comprehensive services. From leak detection to drain clog removal, we do it all.
If you’re experiencing problems such as damp walls, unusually high water bills, or mold growth, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. Schedule an appointment with SM Mechanical Services LLC in Farmington today.