Hidden leaks are scary – there’s just no way to sugarcoat it. Every homeowner gets that sneaking suspicion, at least once in a while, that there’s a leak they just can’t find. Hidden leaks can cause higher water bills and are expensive to repair. In other words, they need to be taken care of immediately. 

If you suspect you have a hidden leak in your home, call for expert residential plumbing services from Service Plumbing Co. Inc. at (580) 223-1780. 

You may have some questions about hidden water leaks. Read on for answers.

1. How Do You Know if You Have a Leak in Your Home?

It can be somewhat difficult to discern whether or not you have a leak. Your best bet is to look for symptoms.

Here’s a list of warning signs that may indicate you have a leak somewhere in your home:

  • Low water pressure
  • Sudden water stains on ceiling, floors and walls
  • Increase in your water bill
  • Hot spots on the floor
  • High indoor humidity levels
  • Mold and mildew growth or smell
  • Strange noises, such as dripping or hissing coming from walls or fixtures
  • Damp spots and puddles on the floor
  • Large muddy puddles in the yard
  • Lush, green spots of grass in the yard
  • Changes in your water meter (especially if no one is using water)
  • Sewage-like smells in yard
  • Running toilet

Some of these, such as low water pressure, may be isolated incidents that call for a separate repair. However, if you can check off multiple signs then you most likely have a hidden water leak in your home. Be sure to call for pipe repair or sewer services if necessary. 

2. How Can I Prevent Leaks?

Leaks should be prevented at any cost. A lot of it comes down to maintenance. There are a few ways you can protect your system from leaks:

  • Get your plumbing system repiped – especially if it is over 20 years old. This will get rid of any pipes that are on the verge of corrosion or leaking.
  • Declutter your cabinets. Take a look at the cabinets under your sinks. If they are stuffed with household items, it’s possible that the pipes were hit or sprang a leak. 
  • Learn where your main shutoff valve is. In case you suspect a leak, it’s always best to shut off your water until a professional can come to check it out.

Unfortunately, there’s not much that you can do to totally prevent hidden leaks from ever happening. Many leaks occur due to corrosion, tree root infiltration and other issues that you can’t do anything about. The best thing that you can do is keep an eye on your plumbing and don’t ignore the warning signs. 

3. Where Should I Look For a Leak?

Suspect a leak, but don’t know where to look? There are quite a few places where leaks can occur. Thoroughly check the following places for any water puddles or strange sounds:

  • Bathrooms: look for signs of additional moisture, such as mold or mildew growth, around the sink, toilet and shower. Be sure to check under the sink for any leaks. Look for water stains, puddles and other warning signs.
  • Kitchen: look around the sink, dishwasher and refrigerator for any leaks. Check for the same things that you did in the bathroom. 
  • Walls: walk along the perimeter of your home and search for any strange spots. Things like water stains and mold or mildew growth are indicators of leaks. 
  • Floors: while checking your walls, be sure to look at the flooring closest to the walls. You should keep an eye out for cracks in the tile, peeling laminate, wet carpets and distorted floorboards. Also check the flooring in your kitchen, bathrooms and other areas with plumbing appliances.
  • Basement: if you have a basement, be sure to check for the warning signs of a leak. A slab leak would cause the lowest floor of the home (which would mean a basement for many homes) to sustain the most damage. This could include cracks and other signs of water damage.

If you really can’t seem to figure out where the leak is coming from, call for residential plumbing services. A plumber will be able to find the leak using special leak detection equipment.

4. What Will a Professional Do About Hidden Leaks?

The first thing that a residential plumbing service professional will do is locate the leak. If you can give the plumber a general idea of where the leak is, they can use a sonar listening device to find the leak. A plumber may also use a thermal scanner to look for hot and cool spots. This is especially useful if there is a leak in the hot water pipe. 

Once the plumber has found the leak, they will determine the best course of action. This could include removing and replacing the pipes or repairing them using epoxy. The repair or replacement strategy depends on the location of the leak and the extent of damage. The best way to know what a professional plumber will do about a hidden leak is to schedule an appointment. 

5. What Are The Sources of Hidden leaks?

Hidden water leaks can come from a few different sources. Here are some of them:

  • Corroded pipes: over time, piping can become corroded and start to develop holes and cracks. This is most common in pipes over 15 years old.
  • Wear and tear: unfortunately, sometimes leaks just happen. The more you use your plumbing system, the more likely leaks become. 
  • Leaky joints: the joints between pipes can become loose if the water pressure is too high. These joints are usually located in hard-to-reach areas, so you may not be able to tell if this is the problem. 
  • Tree root infiltration: if you have large trees on your property, the roots may have grown into the pipes. This is more likely to occur in pipes that are susceptible to corrosion. 
  • High water pressure: although great for showers, it’s not as great for your pipes. High water pressure causes wear and tear on your plumbing system. This results in leaks.

Understanding where a hidden leak may be coming from can help your plumber locate the leak faster. 

Residential Plumbing Services in Ardmore, OK

For a dependable residential plumbing repair company in Ardmore, Oklahoma, choose Service Plumbing Co. Inc. Our team of experienced plumbing professionals knows how to quickly locate hidden leaks and find the best solution for fixing them. 

To schedule a plumbing appointment with our team, head to our website: https://serviceplumbingcoinc.com