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Water leaks are a major annoyance that can also lead to expensive and extensive damage throughout your home. Sometimes you’re able to anticipate a leak and stop it before it begins; other times, you can prevent it from turning into something irreversible. However, often, leaks are hidden in hard-to-see and reach places, making them difficult to anticipate and spot before they cause major problems.
Those hidden leaks are typically the most common cause of extensive water damage at home. It’s important to expand your awareness of your home around you so that you can spot and prevent hidden leaks from forming. While they’re not always visible, there are methods for inspecting common water leak spaces that will allow you to stop a leak in its tracks.
Read on to learn more about the causes and the dangers of hidden leaks and to protect your home and family from them.
Dangers of Hidden Leaks
Aside from causing significant damage to your home, water leaks that go undetected can do a lot more harm. Here are some of the most common dangers of hidden and unresolved water leaks:
- Water stains
- Bubbling or crackling wallpaper
- Mold and mildew growth
- Increase in water damage
- Respiratory health issues
- Musty smells
- Paint damage
- Wood flooring damage
The damage to your home can be repaired, although it will likely be expensive, especially if you have to replace furniture as well, but your health is priceless. Make sure to stay on top of water leaks and fix them as soon as you notice them to avoid irreparable damage.
How to Spot Hidden Leaks
As the name suggests, hidden water leaks are very difficult to find and normally don’t draw your attention until they’ve already done some major damage. Luckily, there are a few ways to spot hidden water leaks before they turn into a flood of water.
Thoroughly Inspect Your Home
The best way to spot a hidden leak is with thorough and frequent inspections. Start at the source of most water in your home—the plumbing system. Check under the sinks, take a look at your water heater, and don’t forget to check on your exterior plumbing as well.
Stay on Top of Your Water Meter and Bills
Did your water bill randomly spike last month even though your water habits hadn’t changed? You likely have a water leak. To know for sure, try this method:
- Refrain from using water in your household for 30 minutes to an hour by turning your water supply off entirely.
- Notate the current usage levels.
- After 30 minutes have passed, check to ensure that the water levels haven’t changed.
- If they’ve moved without any water usage, your home has a plumbing leak!
Utilize Efficient Plumbing Services
You don’t have to search for leaks all on your own. Instead, hire a professional Los Angeles plumber for a thorough inspection. We’ll know exactly where to look, the most common places for leaks and will be able to provide you with an action plan if a leak is found right away.
Are you ready to get proactive about detecting and preventing hidden leaks? Our team is here to help! Contact Merry Plumbing’s team of dedicated technicians here to serve your plumbing needs and keep your system running smoothly. Visit our website to learn more about our services or give us a call today at (626) 414-5583 to schedule your service.