Plumbing problems can ruin your home from the inside out if they’re not addressed in time. Unfortunately, discerning that something is wrong may not always be as easy as we believe it to be. Burst pipes, clogged drains and leaking faucets are clear indicators that something needs fixing, but you are about to learn some of the less obvious signs next.
Sudden Increase in Water Bills
If you see a sudden hike in your water bill, do not presume that people are wasting too much water. That can very well be the reason of course, but unless there is any coinciding change in the household that you can attribute to a sudden and excessive use of water, call a plumber and get your plumbing checked for leaks.
Spots on the Walls and Ceiling
If there are big, ugly water stains on the walls and ceilings, the situation is already bad. However, there are milder warnings signs that appear much before things get that bad. If you notice tiny spots on any of the walls or the ceiling, look closer. If it is indeed a result of water damage, the spots will show one or several of the following characteristics:
- Water damaged plaster spots look like tiny, swollen pimples on the wall or ceiling’s surface
- Gaps left behind in places where the plaster has already flaked off
- Slimy/fuzzy cluster spots in black, brown, white, etc. indicate mold formation
- They could also be actual holes, indicating extreme water damage
- The area around those spots will feel colder, damp and perhaps even soft
None of these signs are to be taken lightly, so contact a Broken Arrow plumber near the property as soon as possible. If ignored, the water damage could eventually compromise the structural integrity of your home, create a toxic environment, and wreak havoc on the interior décor.
Slight but Consistent Loss in Water Pressure
It is easy to note when a shower starts to spurt water sporadically, or when the water pressure drops significantly. A slight but consistent loss in water pressure is not as easy to detect though. If anyone at home feels like the water pressure has dropped a bit, call in your local plumber to get the pipes checked for leaks, blocks and build-ups.
Musty Smell
Strong musty smells inside a house are almost always indicative of water damage and fungal growth. Both mold and mildew are associated with musty smells, and some of the strains can create a hazardous environment inside your home in no time. Aside from calling in the local plumber, you may also need to contact a mold removal team if they find any of the dangerous strains growing inside a water damaged section of your home.
It is advisable to arrange for plumbing maintenance checks every quarter, so that potential problems are detected and fixed before they can cause any harm to your home or the indoor air quality. In the meanwhile, now that you know what to look for, it should be much easier to find the signs of water damage.
