With no shortage of DIY articles on the internet, many homeowners take it upon themselves to try and fix their own problems in the home—including their plumbing. And that includes tracking down and fixing plumbing leaks.
However, we really can’t condone this strategy. Not only can it cost you more money in the long run, but it can also cause more damage to your property—you’ll be wishing you found a plumber from the very start.
But even with all that being said, we don’t believe in holding any information back. Knowing the signs of a leak could be what helps you prevent a major plumbing disaster in the home.
But First, Always Turn Off the Water and Call a Plumber
The best course of action is always to turn off the water and call up an expert of plumbing in West Orange, NJ. That’s because the worst thing you can do for a leak is to give it more time. More leaking water leads to a higher water bill and a higher potential for water damage.
It’s best to know where your water’s shut off valve is before an emergency comes up. That way, instead of panicking, you’ll know exactly where to go. They’re typically located outside in a box on your property, but location can vary depending on the home.
Signs of a Leak on Your Property
If you suspect that you have a leak on your property, here are some of the signs that can help you locate it.
1. Sounds of Rushing Water Behind the Walls
If a pipe bursts inside your home, there’s a strong chance that it occurred behind one of the walls. You’ll know it if you can hear the sound of running water, despite not using any water appliances for several minutes. You may even be able to follow the sound all the way to the source of the leak, at which point you might find…
2. Wet Spots in the Yard
If that leak occurs beneath the ground just outside your home, you’ll feel it when you walk over it. The ground will become spongey and saturated with the leaking water. In the event that it’s the sewer line that has broken, you’ll smell it before you even get close—make sure to call a plumber immediately since this can be a health hazard.
3. Hot or Cold Spots on the Floor
If you’re walking across tile or concrete flooring and find a spot that is abnormally cold or warm, it’s a strong indicator that you have a burst pipe beneath the ground. The temperature of the floor will be an indicator of which kind of pipe has broken and can help the plumber assess the situation.
4. Water Damage
Leaks behind walls tend to create water damage since the pipes are very close to the wall. You may see mold on the walls or baseboards, visible stains, peeling paint, or warping.
Got a leak? Don’t waste any time! Contact MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. today to get in touch with a plumber.