Unchecked plumbing leaks can wreak havoc on your Palm Desert, CA home. Unfortunately, leaky pipes don’t always create standing pools of water in high-visibility or high-traffic areas. Some plumbing leaks can fester and go unnoticed for months on end. The good news is that there are eight easy ways to detect leaky pipes before they can damage your foundation, diminish indoor air quality (IAQ), and cause major value losses.
1. Rising Water Bills
When you have a leaky water supply pipe leading into or within your property, your water bill will invariably increase. If your household size hasn’t changed and you aren’t using water more often, a leaky pipe is the most likely cause. Whenever there’s a sudden and significant spike in your water bill, this is a good clue that you need to call a pro for leak detection.
2. Increased Humidity
Leaky pipes in the interior of your home will increase indoor humidity. If you have condensation-covered walls or windows or moist, heavy air, finding and fixing the damaged pipe is a top priority. Failing to address the underlying cause of excess moisture can lead to mold growth, warped floors and sub-floors, damaged furnishings, and mold-related illnesses.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the ideal humidity for most homes is between 30% and 50%. As per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), mold spores will form whenever indoor humidity rises above 60%. You can schedule IAQ testing to get an exact reading of the moisture level in your home.
The first step in professional mold remediation and humidity correction is always finding and fixing the source of excess moisture. Our team will look for leaky water supply pipes, damaged wastewater pipes, and sewer line obstructions.
3. Weak or Unsteady Water Pressure
Leaky water supply lines deposit fresh water behind drywall and other elements of your home rather than moving it to taps. Be wary of weak, guttering streams when you turn your faucets or showerheads on. If your water pressure is unsteady or insufficient, contact a plumber.
4. Unpleasant and Pervasive Smells
According to the CDC, it takes just 48 hours for mold to form after a flood or other moisture event. Thus, within two days of developing a pipe leak, you may notice dark patches on your drywall or other building materials. Even when mold isn’t visible, you might smell it. Check for leaks in areas with strong moldering odors and in places that smell like wet building materials.
5. Increased Allergy Symptoms
Along with elevated humidity, visible mold, and odors, be on the lookout for changes in the health of members of your household. An ongoing pipe leak and the resulting changes in your indoor air quality could result in symptoms like:
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Nasal and sinus irritation
- Recurring skin rashes
- Frequent headaches
- Fatigue
Mold infestation and poor IAQ can also cause coughing, sneezing, and wheezing, especially in those who live with chronic respiratory ailments like asthma and COPD.
6. Malfunctioning Appliances
Leaky water pipes can affect the efficiency and performance of your appliances. Your dishwasher and washing machine will have a hard time completing wash and rinse cycles if most of their water supply is leaking out before reaching their connections.
7. Whole-House Plumbing Inspections and Leak Detection Services
You should schedule a whole house plumbing inspection at least once each year. These visits give our team the chance to check for slow and hidden leaks in crawlspaces, at appliance connections, behind drywall, and more. We also test water pressure and take other measures to ensure that plumbing systems function correctly. In between whole-house plumbing inspections, you can always schedule leak detection service upon noticing unpleasant odors, high humidity, warped building materials, or other signs of leaky pipes.
8. Wet, Marshy Terrain and a Suddenly Verdant Landscape
Sometimes pipe leaks occur just outside of homes and buildings. If the pipes carrying water to or from your home develop leaks, you may find soft, muddy, or perpetually damp soil in the affected area. In the event of a leaky sewer pipe, you might even notice an abundance of new greenery. As the nutrient-dense contents of sewer lines leech into local soils, grass, weeds, and other living elements often flourish.
Our Team Can Help
If you notice any signs of a leak, our team at Righty Roo Plumbing & Air can help. We proudly serve Palm Desert, CA and the surrounding cities. We offer a whole host of services that include hydro-jetting, camera inspections, water line replacement, and general plumbing repairs. Our clients can also turn to us for water filtration, gas line repairs, drain cleaning, and new water heaters. For help finding and fixing plumbing leaks in your home, get in touch with Righty Roo Plumbing & Air today.
