While plumbing leaks may appear to develop suddenly, they often remain undetected in your home for weeks or months. During this time, water can seep into walls, floors, or ceilings, causing structural damage, promoting mold growth, and increasing your bills. Knowing the signs of a hidden leak helps you catch the problem fast, prevent further damage, and avoid costly repair bills.
Learn the top seven signs of a water leak in your home, the potential causes, and when to call Frank’s for emergency plumbing repair.
Common Causes of Hidden Leaks in Amarillo Homes
Hidden water leaks can happen for a variety of reasons, often resulting from wear, age, or changes within your plumbing system. Some of the most common culprits that can cause leaks in your house include:
- Age or corrosion: As time and corrosion cause pipes to deteriorate, cracks and leaks become more likely, leading to hidden water damage if left untreated.
- High water pressure: Excess water pressure on pipes can cause early wear and deterioration, increasing the risk of hidden leaks.
- Temperature changes: Extreme temperature changes and freezing pipes in the winter cause pipes to expand and contract, leading to small cracks or bursts that allow water to escape.
- Clogged drains: Blockages within your plumbing system cause backpressure, which forces water through cracks in the pipes and joints.
- Improper installation: Incorrect installation can lead to poor connections, misaligned joints, and inadequate sealing, increasing the likelihood of leaks behind your walls, ceilings, or floors.
Top 7 Signs of a Water Leak in Your Home
Thankfully, water leaks within your plumbing system rarely stay hidden for long. Telltale signs that water is escaping behind your walls, floors, or ceiling can help you catch the problem early to prevent costly damage.
1. Unexplained increase in your water bill
If your monthly bills keep rising even though you aren’t using more water than usual, there may be a hidden leak within your plumbing system. Over time, small leaks in your pipes, faucets, or toilets can lead to significant water waste, causing your bills to gradually increase.
2. Water stains or discoloration on walls and ceilings
Yellow, brown, or oddly-tinted spots on your walls are often a sign of leaks hidden beneath. When water seeps through your walls, ceiling, or roof, it causes structural damage and noticeable discoloration, signaling the need for professional attention.
3. Musty or moldy odors
Damp, moisture-rich environments create the ideal environment for mold and mildew growth. If you notice musty odors constantly circulating around your space, there could be a hidden leak in your walls, ceilings, or floors.
4. Low water pressure
A leak in your pipes can cause your water pressure to drop suddenly, resulting in limited flow from showers, faucets, and appliances. If you notice a drop in water pressure in multiple areas of your home, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for inspection.
5. Warped flooring or bubbling paint
Water leaking beneath your floors or behind your walls can cause bubbling paint, warping flooring, and swelling wood. Without detection and professional pipe repair, the leak can lead to costly structural damage.
6. Sound of running water when no fixtures are on
If you constantly hear the sound of running water, even though no appliances or fixtures are on, there’s likely a hidden leak somewhere inside your home. As water leaks out behind your walls, under floors, or through pipes, you’ll often hear a dripping, hissing, or rushing sound that requires immediate attention.
7. Damp or wet spots on floors or carpets
Unless you recently spilled something on your floors or carpets, there should never be damp or wet spots underfoot. If you notice a soggy feeling or visible pools on your floors or carpets, there’s likely a hidden leak underneath that requires repair.
How To Find a Hidden Water Leak in Your Amarillo Home
If you suspect a water leak in your Texas home, start by looking for signs of water damage on your floors, walls, or ceilings. Wet spots, discoloration, and warping are common indicators that water is escaping where it shouldn’t. Also, check your water bills and meter for unexplained increases, which may signal a hidden leak somewhere in your plumbing system.
When to call a professional
If you detect any signs of a leak, contact a trusted plumbing company like Frank’s for leak detection services immediately. We’ll use specialized diagnostic equipment to detect and locate any hidden leaks and determine the underlying cause. Once we determine the source, we’ll quickly provide repairs to stop the leak, prevent further damage, and restore your plumbing system.
Frank’s proudly serves homes and businesses throughout:
Contact Frank’s for Leak Detection and Repair in Amarillo
When you find signs of a water leak in your home, Frank’s is on-call and ready to help with 24/7 emergency plumbing services. We use advanced diagnostics to quickly locate leaks, identify the underlying cause, and provide lasting repairs to prevent damage to your home. With a team of skilled licensed plumbers, decades of experience, and thousands of local reviews, you can trust that there’s no better team for the job.
Contact us today to learn more and schedule leak detection services in Amarillo and the surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a water leak cause long-term damage to my home?
A water leak can result in severe long-term damage to your home, causing structural issues, mold growth, electrical hazards, and damage to your personal belongings. If you identify signs of a hidden leak, contact our team immediately for detection and repair to prevent further problems.
How much does leak detection cost in Amarillo?
The total cost of leak detection depends on the type of leak, its location, and the complexity of the repair. Before we begin work, we’ll provide an upfront estimate so you know exactly what to expect when the final bill arrives. You can trust that you’ll receive honest pricing, with no hidden fees or unexpected surprises.
How quickly should I fix a water leak?
Always contact our team at the first sign of a water leak. Ignoring leaks can lead to worsening damage, mold growth, and more costly repairs. We’re available around the clock for emergency plumbing services, whether it’s a weekend, holiday, or the middle of the night.
How do plumbers find hidden leaks in a house?
Our plumbers use advanced diagnostic equipment, including electronic leak detectors, infrared cameras, and moisture meters, to find hidden leaks and identify the underlying source. These tools allow us to catch leaks early and provide repairs with minimal disruption to your Amarillo home.
