When most people think of plumbing leaks, they picture water gushing from broken pipes or dripping slowly onto the nearest floor. They also image these leaks as being completely visible. But the truth is, many plumbing leaks in the home are hidden and will go unnoticed for days, weeks, and even months until the water damage becomes apparent. Identifying a leaky pipe and having it repaired or replaced immediately can save you costly home repairs, not to mention an expensive utility bill. Here are some tips for identifying the signs of a concealed plumbing leak in your home. And remember, if you have a plumbing problem, the Mojica plumbers in Circleville have an effective solution! Please continue reading below to learn more.

Damaged Walls

There are networks of pipes that are confined behind the walls of your home. If one of these pipes springs a leak, you will likely notice a warp or stain on the wall. Warps form when the drywall behind the visible surface of your walls comes into contact with moisture or water. Drywall will bend, crack, bow, and distort before it eventually breaks into numerous pieces. When you have a plumbing leak behind a wall in your home, our plumbers can inspect and identify the leak before repairing it. A repair will consist of cutting out the damaged drywall, and repairing or replacing the leaking pipe or fixture.    

Damaged Flooring

Another common sign of an unseen leak will show in your flooring. If you notice that your hardwood or laminate flooring is beginning to buckle, warp, or crack, you may have a hidden leak. If your carpets appear stained in certain locations or feel wet and spongy, this is another sign of a hidden leak. The trouble with floor leaks is that the water could be coming from a pipe directly under the floor, or it may have traveled there from another busted pipe in a completely different location.

Strong Odor of Decay

One of the most obvious signs of a hidden water leak is when you notice a musty smell or earthy odor that seems to be located one area. Dampness, moisture, and standing water that don’t have a chance to dry will affect the materials in your floors, walls, ceilings, and belongings, which creates the earthy smell. Excess moisture and water can cause wood to decay, and since homes are built of wooden beams and contain wooden flooring, a strong odor of decay is something you will want to address immediately. Additionally, puddles of water that are hidden under your carpets will create a strong, foul odor. Puddles of water that are left to sit for extended periods of time become stagnant, which puts off a very unpleasant smell. Because you can’t always rely on your eyes to spot a hidden leak, you’ll want to make sure to use your other senses, too, if you suspect a leak.  

Visible Mold, Mildew, and Rust

You may also notice mold and mildew growth on your surfaces if there is a hidden leak. Mold is especially common when there is a hidden leak because this fungus thrives in dark, damp places. There are different types of mold that can form as a result of leaking or standing water, but no matter which mold you notice, you should not touch it. Contact a professional immediately who can clean and dispose of mold properly and safely.

Mildew, on the other hand, is a surface fungus that forms as a thin gray or white film over water or moisture. Mildew can be wiped away using a strong cleaning solution and cloth or scrub brush.

Rust will develop on metal fixtures when exposed to water and moisture. If you notice rust in your home, it could be from a leak or it may also be a sign of deterioration and should be addressed.    

Increased Presence of Pests

Pests are drawn to water and moisture. If you notice an increased presence of water-loving insects in your home like mosquitos, earwigs, silverfish, and crickets, you may have a hidden leak in your home. Common house rodents like mice and rats are also drawn to water, as they require this resource to thrive. If they have constant access to water in an attic, basement, closet, garage, or crawl space, they can become much more than a simple nuisance once they start setting up nests and breeding. If you notice a greater presence of pests in your home, call our plumbers in Circleville right away.

Contact Mojica

These are just some of the most common signs of hidden plumbing leaks, so join us next time as we continue looking at more ways to spot a leak in your home. If you notice any of these signs, call out plumbers in Circleville immediately. Our Mojica Plumbing team can repair or replace your pipes and stop your hidden leak quickly and efficiently. Call us today!