As a homeowner, you would want your property to be in perfect condition at all times. With time, normal wear and tear takes place including leakages that could be frustrating to troubleshoot. The problem with leakages is that sometimes they can be hidden and may require an expert to perform an inspection and fix. If you are able to catch them in the beginning, you might be able to save some expenses. But, if the situation has turned worse, you will need to hire a plumber and mold removal expert to fix the issue. Below are some tips that will help you determine if you have a hidden water leak in the house.
Signs Of Hidden Water Leakage
Water Stains On Ceilings or Walls
One of the most obvious signs of hidden leaks in the house is water stains on ceilings and walls. The problem with such leakages is that there could be multiple reasons or sources from where the water might be leaking. For instance, if you have a double-story house, there might be a leakage up there somewhere causing water to travel down to the first floor.
Plus, if you have an attic in the house as well, it could be due to a damaged chimney flashing or structure that is allowing the water to travel all the way down from the attic to the walls and floors. In most cases, the culprit tends to be a roof leak.
The roof is actually easier to access through the attic but you will need special tools to make sure there is a leakage. Plus, inspecting the entire attic can be a time-consuming task. You will have to be patient and check every corner of the area to ensure there are no hidden leaks.
If you happen to find any small leaks, you can use tape or sealant to cover them up temporarily. But, keep in mind that leakages tend to increase with time. So, if the leakage is serious and already out of control, you will need to call an expert immediately.
Unusually High Water Bills
For most homeowners, water bills tend to be normal and consistent. The need for water might increase in the summer season as the sun increases the temperature but even that does not significantly impact the bills. Watering the plants and washing the cars etc. may slightly raise the bar but it should still be within limits.
But, if you notice that the water bills have skyrocketed unexpectedly, it could mean there is a leak somewhere. Then again, such leaks can be difficult to locate. For instance, there might be a leak somewhere in the garden. If you notice that a certain patch of the yard is wet while the rest is dry, it means there is a leak underneath.
For that, you will need to dig up that patch and look where the leakage is taking place. That said, do not brush off an oddly high water will but instead consult an expert to troubleshoot the issue as quickly as you can.
Foundation Cracks, Buckling And Leaning Walls
Leakages that tend to weaken the structure and walls are the most dangerous type. If you observe one side of the wall or a certain floor area in the house leaning to one side, it could be that there is a serious leakage underneath. Such leakages usually go undetected for a long period of time until they seep into the foundation and make them weak.
The leaning of walls and cracks in the foundation are a serious concern. With time, these cracks are bound to become bigger and they might compromise the balance of the structure. This is why you need to contact an expert who will immediately get down to fixing the issue before major expenses pop up.
Musty Odors
One day, you wake up and suddenly start observing a musty odor in the house. You might think it will go away after a while but it continues to grow as you walk around the house. If that is the case, it means there is a water leakage somewhere in the walls or crawl spaces, etc.
Even if you don’t see visible signs, a strong odor indicates there is a problem somewhere. Tracking the odor will most probably lead you to the hidden leak. But, if it is a complicated area to access, use a flashlight to inspect the area and open the doors and windows to allow ventilation.
Such areas can become a breeding ground for mold and if you don’t consider mold remediation Rockville on time, the spores can cause respiratory issues and raise other health concerns.
Flaking Paint Or Wallpaper Bubbles
If you have wallpapers installed in the house, you might come across bubbles or flaking paint. The reason is that in case of a leakage, the water will collect behind the wallpaper and cause it to lose contact with the wall. As a result, bubbles will form and you observe the area to be slightly damp.
Furthermore, the paint may also flake, which is a tell-tale sign there is something wrong. You will need to immediately check the area for any moisture sources. If you happen to find any leakages nearby, you should unplug any electronic devices as you do not want to risk any electrical accidents.
Mold Growth
Although, mold growth is a serious sign when it comes to leakages, but in terms of health concerns it can raise serious alarms. Mold is basically airborne spores that can travel long distances and can result in respiratory problems if contact becomes frequent or regular.
If you notice a strange smell in the house and you are feeling itchy or wheezing, it could be that there is mold growth somewhere in the house. Mold usually takes place in hidden areas, away from sunlight and where ventilation is little to none.
Plus, it can develop within as little as 24-48 hours after a leak. It can spread at an alarming rate through walls, attics, crawl spaces, etc. Dealing with mold is slightly different than dealing with other types of leakages. To remove mold, you will need to first identify the leakage and fix it.
Just removing the mold is not going to fix your problem. You will need to get the leakage fixed and use cleaners or chemicals to ensure mold is completely eradicated. But, if it has to wait for some time, make sure to turn on the fans and open the doors and windows for the moisture to go away.
Low Water Pressure
If you’re noticing lower water pressure in taps and showers than before, there could be a water leakage somewhere in your house. Hire an expert to inspect your house to know the cause of low water pressure.
Conclusion
Even though it can be a bit panicky sometimes, considering the tips above, you will at least have a head start and know where to look. Plus, you should also hire a water damage restoration Gaithersburg expert to help fix the issue before it makes matters worse to deal with. And, make sure to perform monthly inspections around the house to ensure everything is in perfect shape.
