A water leak often shows itself through an unexplained spike in your water bill. If you know your usage hasn’t increased, you may have a leak somewhere in your home. Comparing your current water bill to one from the same month the previous year may help you determine if the water usage increase stems from a leaky pipe.
Water meters tick when water is in use in your home. If the water meter continues to tick despite no water in use at the time, a leaky pipe may be the culprit.
Wherever water leaks may be, they cause damp areas around them. If your wood, drywall, or insulation gets wet from a pipe leak, it creates the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. If you notice a musty smell in certain areas of your house, calling a professional plumber may be next on your list.
While foundation cracks aren’t uncommon, if you notice new cracks, you may have a leak. Water leaking from your plumbing weakens your home’s foundation and other structural components, causing cracks to form.
Water pooling from a leaky pipe often shows itself in the form of discoloration on walls, ceilings, or floors. Check around pipes and fixtures for damp or unusually colored areas that may indicate a leak.