There are situations where a plumbing problem is obvious, such as a dripping faucet or a toilet that continues to run, but often, you are not aware of a leaking pipe. According to the EPA, approximately one trillion gallons of water are wasted every year because of leaking pipes. The EPA’s research showed about ten percent of homeowners make up most of this loss.
A leaking pipe does not show signs right away, and in most situations, this problem can take a long time to be noticed. However, the good news is there are signs to look for to learn if your pipes are leaking. These three common signs of leaking pipes will help you determine if you should contact an emergency plumber near me.
Odors
Plumbing drains need a trap, and all those traps need a vent. Drains and traps were designed to prevent sewer gas from escaping into your home. The vents are supposed to channel the sewer odour up to the roof, and the drain is to be a water plug and act as a barrier to prevent sewer odors from coming up through your sink.
If you begin to smell sewer odors or gas inside your home, you either have a trap that has gone dry or a vent line cracked. If your trap goes dry, it is an easy fix by refilling it with water. If this doesn’t eliminate the odor, you may need to look for signs of a leak. Finding a cracked sewer vent can be challenging as they are often inside your walls. If this is your concern, you should contact an emergency plumber near me so a professional can learn what the problem is and has the experience to fix it.
Damaged or Stained Floors, Walls, or Ceiling
Damage from a leaking pipe to your floors, walls, or ceiling may be subtle at first. You may notice a dingy-looking area or spot on your white ceiling. Sometimes a leaking pipe will show a sign with a watermark on a wall. These marks indicate there is a bigger problem behind the wall or up in the ceiling. These marks are good signs you have a leaking pipe.
If you don’t repair the leaking pipe, it can cause significant damage. For example, the ceiling could begin to sag and eventually collapse. The wall could become bendable, or a floorboard could become incredibly creaky. If you notice these signs, it’s time to call an emergency plumber near me to locate the problem and fix the leak before it becomes a costly and significant repair.
Spike in Water Bill
If you notice your water bill has gone up significantly, and there are no changes in your household to explain the increase, it may be a sign of a leaking pipe. The change may start small and creep up each month. Whether it is a sudden spike or a gradual increase, it is a sign of a leaking pipe. Contact an emergency plumber near me to find the leak before it damages the structure of your home and costs you more money.
When to Call an Emergency Plumber Near Me
Westhills Plumbing & Heating is your answer to solving plumbing problems. If you have leaking pipes, call us today, and our experienced plumbers will locate and fix your problem twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. We have vast experience in the plumbing and heating industry, you can count on us for quality work with all your plumbing needs.