Water damage is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. That’s because even a small leak can quickly turn into a costly disaster, resulting in terribly high utility bills and potentially impacting your home’s structure. While the leak may, on occasion, be front and center, many times, they escape your notice. In fact, hidden leaks wreak the most havoc since they can go undetected for so long.
Fortunately, we’re here to break down the steps you need to take to catch water leaks as soon as possible and avoid a domino effect of destruction. We’re also the ones to trust for long-lasting solutions that address the immediate problem and prevent future ones from popping up any time soon. If you’re in the Metro Atlanta Area and you suspect a water leak in your home, reach out to our team right away for assistance.
Why Timely Leak Detection Is Important
Water has a way of creeping into the most unexpected places, infiltrating walls, floors, and unseen corners of your home. While a hidden leak may seem harmless at first, the slow drip of water can turn into a serious problem over time. For example, the water will seep into drywall, slowly causing it to warp, bubble, or deteriorate. Your home’s wooden beams and floorboards will also absorb the moisture, leading to swelling, buckling, and eventually rot.
Of course, structural damage isn’t the only thing you need to be concerned about. Leaks create humid environments that become the perfect breeding ground for mold growth. Once it takes hold, mold spreads quickly until it becomes a much larger issue. Because it can impact your family’s health, it’s important to have the areas behind your walls, under the floors, and in poorly ventilated spaces thoroughly inspected after a water leak affects your home.
Finally, we need to make a note about the costs associated with hidden water leaks. You will not only need to pay for plumbing repairs, but you may also face the costs of replacing drywall, flooring, and other materials damaged by water intrusion. Add on mold remediation, and you have a major hit to your finances coming your way.
Top Places Where Water Leaks Occur
When you know where plumbing leaks are most likely to pop up, you can stay vigilant and take prompt action if something goes wrong. Here are the top areas you should regularly check for potential water leaks:
- Under Your Home’s Foundation: Slab leaks are a highly problematic type of leak that occurs in the water pipes running underneath a home’s concrete foundation. Over time, pipes can corrode or develop small cracks due to soil movement, changes in water pressure, or temperature fluctuations. Detecting a slab leak can be tricky, as the signs — such as unexplained wet spots on floors, unusually high water bills, or the sound of running water when no fixtures are in use — are often subtle. However, you need to be vigilant about detecting these problems.
- Toilets: Leaks often happen when the flapper inside the tank becomes worn out, allowing water to continuously seep into the bowl. These leaks can be difficult to detect but can result in significantly higher water bills over time.
- Faucets and Sinks: Whether it’s due to a worn-out washer or damaged O-rings, even a small drip can waste gallons of water each day. Checking for moisture under the sink can help prevent long-term damage to cabinetry and floors.
- Bathtubs and Showers: Leaks can occur around the seals of bathtubs and showers, especially if the caulking or grout has deteriorated. Water can seep into the walls or floors, leading to mold growth or structural damage over time.
- Water Heaters: Water heaters are a common source of leaks, especially as they age. You need to be aware that leaks can develop around water connections, the pressure relief valve, or from cracks in the tank itself.
- Washing Machines: The hoses that connect washing machines to the water supply can become brittle over time. It’s important to check these hoses for any signs of wear or cracks and to replace them as needed to prevent flooding in your laundry room.
- Outdoor Spigots: In colder climates, pipes that aren’t properly insulated can freeze and burst, leading to significant leaks once the weather warms up.
Signs of a Water Leak in Your Home
Catching a hidden water leak early is the key to avoiding larger problems, and several subtle indicators can help you detect trouble before it snowballs. Here are some telltale clues that a water leak may be brewing in your plumbing system:
- Unexplained spikes in water bills
- Musty odors or visible mold
- Water stains on walls, ceilings, or floors
- Warped or buckled flooring
- Peeling paint or wallpaper
- Dripping sounds when water isn’t in use
- Damp spots in carpets or rugs
- Standing water around appliances or fixtures
Simple Checks Homeowners Can Perform
Before calling for professional leak detection services, there are several steps you can take to assess the situation. These quick inspections can help you confirm if there’s a problem and allow you to provide our experts with vital information before we get to your property.
Visual Inspection of Exposed Pipes
Take a moment to check your home’s exposed pipes, particularly those under sinks and in basements. Look for moisture or condensation on the pipes, as this can point to a plumbing leak or other complication.
Checking the Water Meter for Unexpected Movement
One of the most effective ways to catch a hidden leak is through your water meter. First, turn off all water-using appliances and faucets in your home. Then, check your water meter. If the meter is still moving, that’s a strong indication of a leak somewhere in your system.
Using Food Coloring to Detect Toilet Tank Leaks
Did you know food coloring can be a valuable tool in water leak detection? That’s right — it’s not just for decorating yummy desserts. You can add a few drops of food coloring into the tank and wait about 30 minutes without flushing. If the colored water appears in the toilet bowl, you’ve got a leak in the tank. This method quickly identifies toilet leaks, which are among the most common sources of water waste in homes.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
Despite your best efforts with these checks, a leak can remain elusive. When this happens, scheduling professional leak detection services can save your home from further damage. At TKO Plumbing Services, we use advanced technology like infrared cameras and acoustic sensors to pinpoint hidden leaks quickly and accurately.
Preventing Future Leaks With Proper Care & Routine Maintenance
A little maintenance can go a long way in protecting your home from costly water damage. Regular inspections of visible pipes and fixtures, prompt repairs of small leaks and drips, and insulating pipes in cold areas are key preventative measures. It’s also essential to know the location of your main water shut-off valve and consider installing water leak detection devices for added security.
Scheduling annual plumbing check-ups will further help keep your home dry and safeguard it from unexpected issues. By taking these proactive steps, you can avoid the headache of major water-related problems down the road.
TKO Plumbing’s Water Leak Solutions
When leaks disrupt your day, TKO Plumbing Services steps in to save your home and your sanity. Our comprehensive plumbing repair services cover everything from pinhole leaks and water line fixes to faucet repairs, ensuring seamless operation throughout your system. Our water heater installation and repair services also address a common source of leaks, helping to prevent costly water damage in utility rooms and other vulnerable areas. For sewage-related issues, our sewer line repair and replacement solutions are perfect for fixing leaks before they escalate.
With every service, homeowners can trust that even the smallest leak will be resolved with professionalism and attention to detail.
Suspect a Leak in Your Home? Act Fast to Avoid Water Damage
Don’t let water leaks dampen your spirits or destroy your property. If you notice any signs of a leak, don’t wait. Contact TKO Plumbing Services immediately. Our rapid response team is ready to locate, assess, and repair leaks before they cause a mountain of frustration.
