Water is indispensable to our daily lives. Although vital for daily existence, safety, health, and the sustenance of our livelihoods, its benefits are only realized when safely contained in our homes in proper channels, such as pipes, sinks, tubs, or appropriate appliances and containers. Water can quickly become the enemy when it escapes its boundaries. Detecting hidden plumbing leaks early can prevent costly and potentially devastating water damage.
Reasons Water Leaks
Hidden water leaks are not a rare phenomenon. They can occur for various reasons, including some beyond your control. The most common causes include:
Corrosion
Modern homes now have copper or plastic pipes, but this wasn’t always the case. For many years, plumbers used galvanized iron, clay, and even lead pipes to supply water to homes. Such pipes were susceptible to rust and corrosion. They would quickly degrade and weaken, leading to small cracks or holes where water could seep through unnoticed. If you live in an old home, you should hire a plumber to check the kind of plumbing materials used. Older pipes may still be in place, increasing the risk of hidden leaks.
Even though copper pipes are better alternatives, they can still rust. If water from the municipal supply contains dissolved salts, chemicals, or minerals, they can accelerate the breakdown of the protective oxide film on copper pipes, exposing the metal underneath to further deterioration and leaks.
Water Quality
Your water quality can also lead to hidden plumbing leaks. For instance, acidic water can degrade pipe seals, connectors, caulking, and copper and steel pipes. Without a water softener installation, our local hard water can cause limescale buildup inside pipes, increasing water pressure, which places added strain on the plumbing system. This additional pressure can lead to joint failures, small cracks, or even pipe bursts.
Invasive Tree Roots
Trees tend to seek high-moisture areas because they also need water for essential processes like photosynthesis, nutrient transport, and overall survival. Their roots can grow toward underground pipes, infiltrating small cracks and joints in search of water. Once inside, they expand, causing pipe damage and blockages that can be challenging to detect.
Faulty Pipe Joints
Pipe joints experience significant wear and tear due to constant water flow and pressure changes. High water pressure can loosen the seals or fittings connecting the joints, creating small gaps where water can escape. Temperature fluctuations can cause the material around the joints to expand and contract, further weakening their integrity.
These issues are often exacerbated in older plumbing systems or in pipes that were poorly installed. Over time, leaks can develop and remain hidden within walls, ceilings, or floors until they are found and a pipe repair service is completed.
Worn Out Seals
Seals play a crucial role in preventing leaks around faucets and appliances. However, due to daily usage, pressure, dissolved minerals in water, and temperature fluctuation, they can degrade and lose their ability to effectively contain water. Over time, this can result in leaks hidden behind water appliances and beneath sinks and tubs.
Clogged Drain Lines
Drain lines clog primarily due to the buildup of foreign objects and debris. For example, hair, soap scum, and toiletries can accumulate within the pipes, blocking wastewater from passing through to the sewer or septic system. As you flush or pour more water into the drain, it will back up into the sink, tub, appliance, or laundry basin. The pressure from the backed-up water can cause pipes to burst, leading to leaks.
Finding Leaks
Finding hidden leaks requires a keen eye and ear. When you notice anything uncommon, please investigate further or consult a licensed plumber. The methods you can use to detect hidden leaks include:
Water Bill Monitoring
Monthly water bills are generally predictable. As long as municipal water rates don’t increase and your water usage remains steady, your bill should stay within a consistent range. If you notice a sudden, unexplained spike in your bill, it could be a sign of a hidden water leak. One leaky faucet dripping at the rate of one drip per second can waste over 250 gallons of water per month. If you have two or three of such taps or pipes, the loss can be staggering. Therefore, always monitor your bills and compare them with previous months to spot unusual patterns.
Watch the Water Meter
Your home’s water meter can provide a definitive way to detect hidden leaks. It reads and accounts for all water received and used in your home, including that lost to leaks.
To test for leaks, first, turn off all home water faucets, appliances, and systems. Next, check the water meter and write down the numbers you see. Come back after two hours and reread it. If the numbers have changed, you have a hidden leak somewhere.
If you want to determine whether the leak is inside your house or outdoors, turn off all faucets, appliances, and systems again. Take the water meter reading and then turn off the shut-off valve for your house’s main water supply pipe. It’s located in the basement or utility room where the water pipe enters your house. Wait another two hours and recheck the numbers. If the reading hasn’t changed, the leak is inside your house. If it has, the supply pipe leading to your house is likely damaged and leaking.
Stay Alert to Leaking Clues
Wet spots on your floor or walls indicate that your pipes are leaking. Concrete is vulnerable to gradual water seepage, which can weaken its structure and lead to cracks. Similarly, drywall absorbs water, which can dilute wall paint, resulting in discoloration. You might also notice warping, sagging, or peeling of the wallpaper or paint.
Furthermore, leaks can cause a persistent musty smell in your house. Moisture provides the perfect environment for mold, mildew, fungi, and bacteria to thrive. These organisms, particularly mold, mildew, and bacteria, produce a pungent odor as they grow, which can permeate your living spaces. Moreover, mold and mildew can trigger allergies, respiratory problems, and other health issues for vulnerable individuals.
Lastly, you can hear some leaks. Be attentive to unusual sounds, such as the faint hissing of water, dripping, or running water in areas where it shouldn’t be.
Dealing With Leaks
When you suspect a leak, call a licensed plumber to confirm and provide long-lasting solutions. Professional plumbers have the expertise and tools to locate even the most hidden leaks.
Once found, they’ll offer temporary repairs or permanent solutions based on your budget and the extent of water damage. Temporary repairs include sealing cracks and pinholes with plumbing putty, wrapping pipes with waterproof tape, or using pipe clamps to stop leaks. Permanent fixes entail replacing damaged pipe sections, upgrading old plumbing materials, or resealing joints.
Contact Us for More Information
Plumbing leaks require immediate intervention. By the time you notice a leak or signs of water damage, significant harm may already have occurred to your property. Our plumbers can promptly locate and repair your plumbing system. Besides leak detection service, you can also reach out to us for drain cleaning, repiping, and water softening or filtration.
Contact Childers Air Plumbing & Electric today for plumbing leak detection and repair services in Beckley.
