Hidden water leaks in your Fort Myers or Southwest Florida home can cause a lot of damage, particularly if they’re left undetected for a while. Therefore, if you discover mold or mildew, it’s a wise idea to have iMold perform water leak detection services. Musty odors or discolored areas on your wall can also indicate a hidden leak.
Sadly, some people won’t notice they have had a water leak for several years. By the time it’s discovered, your Fort Myers home can suffer from structural damage or additional plumbing problems. As soon as you notice a water leak, it’s important to immediately contact iMold for leak detection service. We’re a professional water damage company that can resolve the issue immediately.
Finding Hidden Water Leaks
Sometimes, you’ll be able to notice obvious signs that will enable you to uncover a water leak. Other times, though, water could be leaking inside your walls without making itself known. Use the following list to help determine if you need assistance from our experts.
Check for Visible Signs
Although checking for visible signs of water damage might seem like an easy tip, you’re likely to miss it unless you’re specifically looking for it. In fact, you could currently have signs that are tucked away from your line of vision. Therefore, it’s wise to check in lesser-accessed areas for the following indicators:
- Mildew or mold growth
- Wall discoloration
- Water stains on walls/floors
- Spongy or damp areas
- Musty odors
- Bubbling or peeling paint/wallpaper
- Wall texture changes
For example, mildew or mold growth can naturally occur in your shower or around your faucets. However, if you have a water leak, it can appear within 48 hours. Left untreated, mold or mildew will grow quickly and can spread through attics, walls, ductwork and crawlspaces.
Check Your Water Meter
If you suspect a hidden water leak, there’s one simple way to verify it. First, turn off all fixtures and appliances that use water. Next, go to your water meter, and write down its current number.
Don’t try to use any water for the next two hours. Once this time passes, check your water meter again. Does it have a different number now? If so, you’ve got a hidden water leak.
Pay Attention to Your Water Bills
Another method for detecting a water leak is monitoring your monthly water bills. If your bills suddenly spike but you’re not using more water than usual, get your home checked immediately. This is one of the extra expenses that a water leak can cost you.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), water leaks in the U.S. waste a combined 1 trillion gallons per year. Shockingly, the EPA also states that 10% of homes waste a minimum of 90 gallons per day. In total, the average amount of water waste in a U.S. home is almost 10,000 gallons.
Listen for Any Unusual Sounds
Two different unusual sounds can indicate a water leak: running water noises and/or hissing or dripping sounds. For example, if you keep hearing running water when all your faucets are turned off, you probably have a hidden water leak. Also, hissing or dripping sounds coming from your pipes or walls are a bad sign.
Check Sinks and Appliances
Look beneath your sinks for any signs of a leak or moisture. Be sure you use a flashlight so you can clearly see the area. Additionally, take a closer look around your dishwasher, washing machine, toilet and any other water-using appliances.
Foundation Cracks
If you’ve had a hidden water leak for several months or years, you may begin to notice cracks in your Southwest Florida foundation. Other signs include buckling and leaning walls, along with displaced trim and molding.
Even the tiniest hairline crack should never be ignored. This is due to the fact that a small crack can quickly turn into a huge crack. Instead, protect your family’s safety and the integrity of your home by immediately reaching out to our experts for water damage service. We will assess the situation.
Your Toilet Wobbles
If you sit on your toilet and it’s not sturdy, you could have a slow leak from your toilet or a nearby sink, bathtub or shower. Having a worn wax seal underneath your toilet or a crack in your porcelain base are both signs of a leak. Unless you take care of this issue right away, it could cause a lot of sub-floor and/or floor damage.
Hot or Warm Spots
Do you have radiant heating? If you answered yes, those hot or warm spots on your floor could be signs of a water leak. When a pipe breaks, an isolated area of your floor becomes warmer than the rest. Also, pay close attention if your flooring material is buckling upward or soft to the touch.
Reduction in Water Pressure
Your water pressure used to be perfect, but now you’ve noticed that it doesn’t work as well as it used to. This is caused by a hole or crack opening in at least one pipe, which can affect your entire plumbing system. Whether certain faucets are trickling or all your water sources have less pressure, this is your Fort Myers home’s way of telling you that there’s an issue.
Detection Times for a Water Leak
There are three main factors that can impact how long it takes you to uncover a hidden water leak. The first is the size of the water leak. Slow, small drips can easily escape your notice, while a larger leak typically causes visible signs, such as wall discoloration or texture changes, on one of your walls.
Location can also play a major role. For instance, if your leak is behind your walls, it may go undetected for some time. Having an underground leak can also go unnoticed until it causes a foundation crack.
Finally, you must monitor your home’s water usage monthly, along with checking your plumbing system on a regular basis. Those who make it a habit to monitor these areas are likely to discover a hidden leak faster. Not only will finding leaks earlier help you save money, but it will also keep your home in better shape overall.
Why You Should Never Wait
If you believe you have a hidden water leak, there are a few prime reasons why you should never wait. Aside from avoiding additional leaks and structural damage, you’ll want to steer clear of mold growth. Also, the longer you wait, the more expensive your water leak can become.
Your Proven Fort Myers Team
iMold has been proudly assisting Fort Myers and Southwest Florida homeowners with water leaks and water damage for more than 28 years. Our professionals use the latest industry tools to detect water leaks, including thermal imaging and moisture meters. It’s our goal to be heroes to our neighbors by taking care of water damage, mold remediation and much more.
Do you have a hidden water leak in your Fort Myers home? Contact iMold‘s team of water damage professionals today.
