How Can You Tell if You Have a Water Leak?
When you own a home or business, the repair list never ends. It’s common to push the to-do lists until you have a free weekend, but there’s one home repair you never want to ignore. Water leaks can produce hundreds of dollars of damage to your property and personal belongings. So, if you suspect you may have a water leak, it’s time to act fast! You can often tell you have a water leak by mold or mildew, water stains, and dripping sounds in and around the home, but there are more water leak signs to be aware of. Here are some common signs of water leaks in and around your property.
Water Pressure Drop
If you sense a noticeable difference in your property’s water pressure, it might be a sign of a water leak. For example, you might have an underground water leak or a leak somewhere in your system. Water leaks you can’t noticeably see are very serious because the damage could get worse in a short amount of time.
Higher Water Bill
Water bills typically fluctuate throughout the year with increased and decreased water usage, but if you notice a much higher water bill, it’s likely a water leak in your property. Slow and small leaks can add up in dollars and damage quickly, so take this red flag seriously and schedule a water leak inspection!
Damp and Musty Odors
A consistent water leak will produce damp or musty odors near the area of the leak. You see this often in basements or attics where a leak might go unnoticed for longer. A musty smell is a very common sign of a water leak somewhere underneath and potentially mold growth. Typical places for musty odors with a leak are under carpets, behind walls, and around windows.
Visible Mold or Mildew
Sometimes a water leak is visibly evident in your home or business. Unfortunately, if you see mold or mildew, it likely means the leak has been there for a while. Mold grows from standing water or moisture and can cause serious health complications if exposed. In addition to the health concerns, mold and mildew left untreated can cause costly and extensive property damage.
Water Stains on Ceiling or Walls
Another visible sign of a water leak is water stains on the ceiling or wall. If you have a two-story home or business with an upstairs bathroom, it’s likely that area that’s causing the leak if you have water stains. A ceiling water stain can also indicate a leak in the roof. Regardless, it’s important to schedule a water leak inspection quickly after discovering water stains because this means the leak has been around for a while.
Soft Spot on Flooring
Bathrooms and kitchens are common places to see soft spots or other floor damage. These are due to leaks under the floors. The water leaks can come from toilets, showers, bathtubs, or sinks. This is another scenario where the leak may go unnoticed for a length of time because it’s hidden under the flooring. A qualified water leak detection company will have technology available to test for water leaks you can’t see.
Dripping Sounds
One of the most noticeable signs of a water leak in your home or business is dripping sounds. When you hear water dripping in areas it should not be, it’s a definite sign something isn’t right. You might hear dripping sounds from hidden places, like behind walls, or in a bathtub, sink, or toilet. Even small drips can waste gallons of water over a time period.
Contact Water Leak Detection Experts in Southwest Florida
If you notice any of these water leak signs in your home or business, it’s critical to have your property inspected by a water leak expert immediately! A water leak detection expert uses technology, like infrared thermal imaging, to find water leaks in unseen places. They also use their expertise to look beyond the obvious places for water leaks to ensure they detect every potential leak.
For the Southwest Florida area, contact iMold for all your water leak detection and water damage needs. Our team of experts will accurately detect suspected water leaks in your property and help you make a plan to repair the problem. We also specialize in water damage repair and mold remediation, so in the event you have extensive water damage or mold growth in your home, the mold and water damage experts at iMold can help restore your property. Contact iMold for water leak detection, and rest assured we are committed to our 24/7 emergency service and fast response time, so your family and property are well taken care of.
Find iMold on Facebook and Instagram, and get more tips on water damage and mold on our blog!