It is important to take swift action when you detect a water leak in your household plumbing. The moisture resulting from a leak can cause the growth of mold in your home as quickly as 24-48 hours after the leak begins. Determining the source of a plumbing leak can help you avoid the growth of mold and the smell that accompanies it, as well as protect the structure of your home.
Checking Your Water Meter
If you suspect that there is a water leak in your plumbing, turn off the water inside and outside the home and then inspect the leak indicator on your water meter. If the meter’s indicator dial moves, you probably have a plumbing leak because the water should not be flowing at this time.
An alternative step you can take is to turn off all water for the home and take your first water meter reading. Wait an hour or two, and then take another reading. If the second meter reading shows a change in water flow, then you probably have a plumbing leak.
Inspecting Exposed Pipes
The presence of moisture or corrosion on plumbing is a sign that a water leak is near the damaged spot, so inspect all exposed pipes for these signs. Rust is the most common type of plumbing corrosion. Because this damage progressively gets worse, it is necessary to repair the plumbing in a timely manner.
Checking Ceilings, Walls, and Floors
If you find water stains or peeling paint on the ceilings or walls of your home, a leak in plumbing may be the culprit of this damage. Water leaks can also cause cracks or warps in the floors due to the moisture that has collected in that area. Loose floor tiles are another indication that your plumbing may need repair.
A significant water leak usually requires the immediate attention of a qualified plumber. The longer it takes to repair a home’s pipes, the greater the chance that mold may grow and threaten the health of residents. Water damage to a structure can cause other problems that may be dangerous or costly to fix.
To fix a water leak in your plumbing and avoid water damage to the structure of your home, contact an HVAC professional to assess the source of the leak and repair the problem. First Class HVAC has been helping residents in Delaware towns like Woodside and Nassau and Maryland towns like Gridletree and Eden repair plumbing issues in their homes for over 40 years. Contact us today to ensure that your plumbing system runs smoothly.