Plumbing - How To Find A Leak And Stop It

How do you know if you've got plumbing problems? This article shows you the signs that tell you you've got leaky pipes, and finding them is the first step in fixing them.

The key to keeping your home's plumbing in good shape is to watch for leaks and stop them before they get out of control. If you've got a leak somewhere and you don't know it, this can become a major problem. Not only will it damage the structure of your house, it will also cost you tons of money in repairs. You've got to nip these leaks in the bud, which means keeping your eyes out for water damage. Here is what you should look for.

Mold Or Mildew

Mold is a common household problem and it can grow in any dark, moist place. But if you've got mold or its equally nasty cousin mildew on an area that should be dry, this might mean that you've got a leak. You might also not see it but detect a mildewy smell. Mold should be cleaned up as soon as possible and the cause of the mold should be stopped. If you've got it on the ceiling or on a wall where there is no visible source of water, that's probably a sure sign of a problem.

Warped Or Sagging Wood

If you see wood that is warping or sagging, this could be a sign. This is especially the case when you see warping at the bottom of wood cabinets. This means a pipe under there is leaking and that water is causing the wood to rot. You might also see damage to wooden beams in any part of the house. This is a pretty sure sign that you need some plumbing help.

Wall Damage

Another sign is damage to a wall. This means that you've got some bad plumbing behind that wall, and it should be taken care of immediately. You should look for paint peeling off the wall or bulges in the drywall. The water that's running behind there is causing the paint to lose its adhesive quality. Although a bulge in drywall may be an indicator of a problem, it could have other causes as well so keep this in mind.

Unwelcome Bugs

A leak can also be a way for uninvited guests to get into your home. If you start seeing insects you didn't see before, you may have a problem. Lots of household insects thrive in water, from the dreaded cockroach to silverfish and dust mites. You might also see small flying ants and other bugs. This means you've got excess water somewhere and if you can't see it, you probably have leaking pipes.

Call In The Pros

If you're not sure, you can always call a plumber and have them take a look. Cleaning up the mold, insect infestations or peeling paint won't get rid of the problem behind them. A good plumber can inspect the house and give you some tips on how to keep your plumbing in good shape. Let these warning signs help you find your home's leaky pipes and get them fixed before they cause more trouble for you.