Signs of a Leaky Pipe or Burst Water Main

You may not be a plumber, but you need to realize when it is time to call one. Most times if you have a leaking pipe or burst water main there are warning signs telling you that it's time to call a plumber.

Symptoms of a burst pipe include:

• Musty odor
• Unexplained illness
• Pooling water
• Water marks
• Unexplained spike in water usage

Here's each of these burst pipe symptoms in detail:

1. Odor

When water is leaking into a dwelling it will begin to smell musty. Perhaps lately you have done all you could but there is a musty or moldy smell that you haven’t been able to eliminate. This is one of the tell-tale signs of a potential leaky pipe or burst water main. As the water settles and dries there is a looming odor. If you smell this type of odor, it is time to call someone out to take a look around. Most plumbers can locate even the smallest of leaks much faster than a homeowner can.

2. Unexplained Illness

Now, this doesn’t mean that if you get a cold, you have a leaking pipe. Settling water, mold, and mildew can significantly affect the health of your family. Allergies and other illnesses can be caused by settling water. If you notice that your family members are having a variety of new symptoms, especially those that involving breathing issues, call a plumber and have them take a look around.

3. Pooling Water

If you see unexplained water under the sink, in the basement, on a floor, or even in the yard this could be a sign of a serious problem. It could be that you have a leaky pipe or even worse a burst water main. Either way, finding water is a clear sign that it is time to call in a professional.

4. Water Marks

Sometimes you don’t see the water. Leaking pipes can be tucked away in areas that you may not see right away. If you see an unexplained spot on a floor or ceiling or even on a wall for that matter, there has been a water leak there at some point. Seeing a new spot may be an indication of a current or reoccurring problem. It is imperative that you call in someone to check it out.

5. Unexplained Spike in Your Water Usage

Your water bill is a good way to gauge if you have a water leak or not. A steady increase in your bill month after month without explanation can indicate a slow and steady leak. A huge, unexplained spike in your bill can indicate a more serious problem. Any significant change in your water bill should be a red flag to a more serious problem.

The Importance of Addressing Plumbing Leaks Early On

Water leaks can do some serious damage. They not only create weakness in the surfaces that they saturate, but they also allow for mold and mildew to build up in the walls and ceilings of your home. These conditions can destroy your home and can make your family ill. Water leaks don’t go away on their own and for the most part, just continue to get worse with time. This makes the problems more devastating and the repairs, and clean up, a lot more costly and time-consuming.

What to Do if You Think You Have a Water Leak

If you experience any of the indicators listed above, or simply think you might have a water leak, call a professional plumber in right away. Pell Plumbing can help you locate that leaking pipe in your home and help you to get it resolved before it becomes a life-altering problem.