Leaks are common in homes around the Fox Cities — but they’re not always so easy to detect. If left undetected or untreated, leaks can cause serious damage to your home and raise your water bill significantly. The sooner you address leaking pipes, toilets, and other issues, the better. We’ve put together five signs of water leaks that homeowners can watch out for.
1. High water bill
Homeowners in the Fox Cities typically use more water during the summer months as they tackle more home projects like washing the car, running their swimming pool or sprinkler system, power washing the deck, or simply taking more showers after getting sweaty in the summer heat. In turn, you should expect to see a higher-than-normal water bill during this time. However, if you notice your water bill has been higher than usual and you can’t seem to explain it, you may be dealing with a leak somewhere.
A quick test is to turn off all water and then check the meter. If the number has changed after an hour or two and you haven’t used any additional water, chances are there’s a hidden leak you need to deal with.
2. Bad odors or musty smell
If you suddenly have a bad odor in your house or yard area — and you’ve checked the usual suspects like garbage, dirty dishes, and laundry — then you might be dealing with a leak. Leaks cause damp, wet areas and are breeding grounds for mold and mildew, which have an odor. Depending on the smell, you could also be dealing with a sewage leak. Either way, you’ll want to get it taken care of quickly for health reasons.
3. Running or dripping water sounds
If all of the faucets, hoses, and appliances are off but you’re still hearing a running water or dripping sound, then there’s a good chance you have a leak somewhere. While it may not seem like a big deal, locating the source of the noise quickly can help you narrow down the issue and prevent wasted money. Again, refer to step #1 regarding turning off all water and checking your meter as a sure sign that water is running somewhere.
4. Overgrowth or lush lawn
Does an area of your lawn suddenly seem extra lush or overgrown? Is there a squishy spot in your lawn? That could be a sign of an underground leak. You’ll want to address it quickly as it could ruin your lawn or cause damage to your house and other buildings on your property if left untreated.
5. Damage
Take a good look in your cupboards and closets, under your sinks, around windows, and under appliances as part of your regular home maintenance routine. You want to look for stains, discoloration, cracks, dampness, or warped or buckled walls and flooring. These can all be signs of leaks that you’ll want to address.
If you notice any of these signs of leaks in your home or business, give our team of plumbing experts a call. We offer 24/7 emergency service in Appleton, Oshkosh, Green Bay, and all around Northeastern Wisconsin.
Call Watters Plumbing now to handle your leaky repairs. Easy call, fast fix.
While you’re at it, you might find some of these other resources handy…
Tips for Detecting A Leak In Your Fox Cities Home
How Much Is That Leak Really Costing You?
Leaks Can Run, but They Can’t Hide – United States Environmental Protection Agency