Locating Persistent Water Leaks in Your Household: Common Areas to Inspect
Hidden water leaks in your home can cause significant damage, from high water bills to structural problems. Here are some common signs to look out for and steps to take when you suspect a leak.
Spotting the Signs
- Unusually high water bills: If your water bills have suddenly spiked without any change in usage, it might be a sign of a hidden leak.
- Musty or mildew odors: These smells can indicate moisture build-up, which may be caused by a water leak.
- Discoloration or water stains on ceilings and walls: Brownish or yellowish spots on your ceilings or walls could be a sign of a water leak.
- Peeling paint or wallpaper: Moisture seeping through building materials can cause paint or wallpaper to peel.
- Mold growth in unexpected areas: Mold thrives in moist conditions and can indicate a water leak.
- Flooring issues like warping or soft spots: Water leaks can cause damage to your floors, making them warp, buckle, or become soft.
- Damp or soggy lawn or garden patches: Wet, soggy, or unusually lush patches of grass could be a sign of an underground pipe leak or irrigation system failure.
- Sounds of dripping or running water: If you hear the sound of water dripping or running when no fixtures are in use, it could be a sign of a hidden leak.
Dealing with a Leak
- Act quickly: Kieran Davies, Head of Trades at RACV, advises acting quickly if water is escaping on a property.
- Stem the flow: If a water leak is found, the priority is to stem the flow by turning off nearby shutoff valves or the water meter if necessary.
- Professional help: A professional plumber can provide leak detection services to find the cause and recommend corrective action.
Prevention and Repair
- Regular maintenance: Even the best plumbing will degrade over time and should be replaced when signs of deterioration are noticed to avoid leaks.
- Insurance coverage: A water leak or related damage may be covered by insurance, depending on the individual policy and product disclosure statement. RACV Home and Contents Insurance can help cover damage from water leaks caused by a faulty washing machine or leaking pipe.
- Avoid common causes: Blocked drains, poor or unlicensed plumbing work, unregulated water pressure, and unruly tree roots can also cause water leaks.
Special Considerations for Apartments and Apartment Complexes
- Apartment leaks: In an apartment, a water leak can still occur in any level due to issues in adjoining properties.
- Apartment complexes: In apartment complexes or duplexes, water leaks may be caused by neighboring or overhead apartments.
Emergency Plumbing Services
RACV offers 24/7 emergency plumbers every day of the year, with help usually arriving within an hour and no after-hours, weekend, or public holiday surcharges.
Conclusion
Identifying and addressing hidden water leaks early can save you from costly repairs and structural problems. If you suspect a leak, act quickly, stem the flow, and seek professional help. Regular maintenance and insurance coverage can also help protect your home from water damage.
- If you notice an unexpected increase in your home-and-garden watering costs, it might be a sign of an unseen leak.
- A damp or soggy patch in your home-and-garden could indicate an underground pipe leak or irrigation system failure.
