While leaks aren’t always the most obvious, there are several warning signs to look for. If you notice any of these things in your home, try to locate a water source and call a professional to stop the leak from getting worse.
Damp Walls & Ceilings
One of the most obvious signs of a leak is damp walls or ceilings. This also indicates a serious leak that should be dealt with immediately.
Mold
Mold tends to grow in areas that are damp and warm, so leaks create the perfect environment for mold growth. It only takes 24 to 48 hours for mold to grow, meaning that even a new leak can cause mold. Since mold tends to grow in circular formations, it’s usually easy to spot. Look out for brown, black, red, gray or green mold, which can appear fuzzy and soft or wet and slimy. If you do find mold in your home, look for a water source as a possible cause of the mold.
Low Water Pressure
You might notice low water pressure during a leak, though the severity of this can vary. This is because water is not flowing through your pipes as usual. If you do have a leak that causes low water pressure, it may be noticeable in one water feature or multiple, depending on the location of the leak.
Strange Noises
If you hear dripping sounds, running water sounds, or even hissing sounds even when you and everything else are dead silent, this could be an indication that your pipes are leaking.
Strange Smells
During a leak, your water may have a noticeably strong scent to it. Water shouldn’t smell bad, so this is a surefire sign that something is off. Your water may have a foul odor like rotten eggs, or a musty scent to it.
Bubbling Paint
When a leak happens behind a wall, the drywall soaks it right up. Since paint can have a good amount of elasticity, the water will pool around the wall and behind the paint, creating a bubbly texture. The bubble will continue to grow and move as the water accumulates and slide towards the floor. Eventually, the paint will likely burst open and water will flow out of the wall.
Soft Spots
Leaks can cause wood to rot, which then causes the wood to soften over time. Typically, soft spots are caused from leaks that have been happening for a long time and are found on the floor or walls. They are usually the result of dripping or a slow leak, rather than a burst pipe or another major leak.
