Three Signs That Indicate a Hidden Water Leak in the Home
Dealing with a water leak is never fun. Every homeowner hopes that they never have to deal with one, but the reality isn’t so optimistic. The fact is that most people will have to deal with a leak at some point. The difference then becomes how quickly and effectively the leak is dealt with. Because even a small leak can cause a lot of damage if it isn’t located and fixed on time. And the first step to locating water leaks in the home is realizing that there’s a leak in the first place. So read on to find out the three signs that indicate a hidden water leak at home.
Sounds of Running Water
The first — and often the most annoying — sign is the sound of water running or dripping. Homeowners who hear water running or dripping in the home should make sure that no one is using the water. This means checking to see if there’s a leaky faucet or if one has been left on accidentally. This also means checking to see if toilets are running, even if it’s only a trickle.
Listen for the running or dripping sound again once all these other potential causes have been ruled out. Give it a few minutes, because sometimes water can drip or run inside the pipes in the walls. Sometimes, this normal sound is mistaken for a leak. If the sound keeps up for several minutes, it’s probably a leak.
Uneven Grass Growth in the Yard
Not all leaks happen within the walls of the house. Sometimes, leaks happen underground. Since most homes get municipal water from the street side, these leaks will often manifest in the front yard. So homeowners should check for uneven grass growth in the front yard. The leaking water has to go somewhere, and it’s often the grass that absorbs us, which makes for especially lush growths in one area while the other areas of the yard experience relatively uniform growth.
Walking along the front yard may also yield some squishy areas, which is likely a leak underneath. If a sewer line leaks, the lush and possibly squishy grass may be accompanied by a sewage smell.
Poor Pressure and High Bills
Water leaks can also manifest other telltale signs in terms of both water pressure and the water bill. Homeowners who experience a sudden increase in their water bill without logical explanation may want to start checking for a leak. Of course, if Aunt Gladys is in town and she takes 30-minute showers, the sudden increase in the water bill is probably her doing and not the result of a leak.
Water pressure can also be affected by a leak. Since pressure is essential for getting water to all the various facets and fixtures in the house, a crack in one of the lines will affect the whole home’s pressure. This means poor or nonexistent water pressure. Homeowners who experience this and suspect a leak should locate the main shutoff valve and turn the water to the house off until a plumber can come locate the leak.