Exhibiting These Problems? You Could Have a Hidden Leak!

Household leaks account for thousands of wasted gallons each year, which translates into paying for water you’re not using. Could you have a hidden leak in your home? Read on to learn how to identify these pesky Flagstaff plumbing problems in your home.

High Water Bills

One of the first indications of a plumbing leak in your Flagstaff, AZ home is a higher-than-normal water bill. If your recent bills have made you do a double-take, it’s time to start looking for leaks. One of the easiest ways to confirm the presence of a leak is to use a water pressure gauge. Rather than simply reading off the water pressure and removing the gauge, note the water pressure and then leave the gauge in place for 15-30 minutes. If you return and the reading has dropped, you have a plumbing leak in your home. Even a single dripping faucet will register on the gauge.

Musty Odors

Check under your sinks, around your appliances, and in your basement, garage, and attic for odors. A musty odor is indicative of moisture, which could mean a hidden leak. If you smell an odor around any type of plumbing, feel all the pipes and connections to see if you can detect the source of the moisture. Often a connection simply needs tightening, but if the pipes or appliance itself is damaged or corroded, you’ll need a plumber to replace it.

Visible Damage

Leaks can occur in the water pipes that run between your home’s walls and ceilings. Water damage from a hidden leak may be visible over time. Streaks on your walls, floors, or ceilings highlight the presence of running or dripping water. Check behind appliances and along walls and ceilings where possible to identify streaks and moisture. If a leak occurs around the base of a toilet or appliance, you may notice the floor appears warped and feels spongy.

Silent Toilet Leaks

Toilet leaks are often audible as a running toilet. Some leaks, however, are silent and more difficult to identify. Take the lid off your toilet tank and inspect the plumbing within. If the flapper valve that connects the tank to the toilet bowl is misaligned or damaged, realign or replace it as needed. Even if the flapper appears to be working, place a few drops of food coloring in the tank and wait 15 minutes. If the food coloring has traveled into the bowl, the flapper is leaking and needs to be replaced.

Identifying hidden leaks in your home means preventing water waste, high bills, and damage to your property. Mr. Rooter of Yavapai, Coconino and Maricopa Counties is here 24/7 to help you handle Flagstaff plumbing leaks of any size. Visit our website to learn more about us, or check out Mr. Rooter’s blog for more handy home plumbing tips!