A plumbing leak is every homeowner's nightmare, but you may not know it doesn't take a very big leak at all to become a huge problem. While water dripping for a prolonged time can cause water damage, it also creates dampness that entices pests to move into your home.
If you suddenly notice roaches scurrying around when you flip on the kitchen light at night, you may want to look around the sink and dishwasher for hidden water leaks. Water leaks aren't always reflected in a high water bill because the leak could be from a drain that empties your sink. It may take some detective work to find out where water is leaking. Here are some tips on where to look.
Check Under the Kitchen Sink
Turn the water on and run your hand along the pipes under your sink. You might not see or hear water dripping, so feeling is a better way to check. There might be a slow drip from the garbage disposal, a drain, the cutoff valve, or a supply hose. Also, notice if the cabinet is damp or dry.
See if you detect a mildew odor. If there are signs of dampness or if you feel water dripping, then repairs should be done as quickly as possible to prevent water damage and to help get rid of roaches and other bugs. Some drips are easy to fix, such as when they involve making a connection tighter or applying caulk. However, when it comes to repairing a garbage disposal or a drain, you may want to call for professional help.
Look in the Basement for Wet Spots
A plumbing leak in the basement is a real bonus for pests since the basement is an ideal hiding spot. A dark, quiet space with a water supply is the perfect recipe for an insect infestation. When you inspect your basement, you might see water dripping from overhead pipes.
This doesn't always signal a plumbing leak. You'll have to rule out condensation to figure out the appropriate repairs to make. If you see a large dark area on the concrete floor, it could be a wet spot from a leak under the concrete. You might even see a slight puddle of water on the floor.
This could be a sign of a slab leak, and you'll want a plumber to take a look at the problem. If a pipe is leaking under the slab, it's probably driving up your water bill too.
Check for Stained or Bumpy Drywall
Plumbing leaks behind walls are a worrisome thought because water damage may be occurring that you are clueless about. In that case, you might thank a sudden infestation of silverfish or other water-loving bugs for alerting you to the problem.
Signs of water leaking behind a wall include a damp or musty odor in your home, water stains on the walls or ceiling, and drywall that's cracking, bumpy, or swollen.
While you could rip open your wall to get a better look at what's going on, a better idea is to call a plumber who can use tools like a thermal camera to detect water flowing behind walls and under floors. This allows the plumber to pinpoint the leak so you won't have to tear out walls when it isn't necessary.
Examine the Bathroom Fixtures
The bathroom is especially prone to problems with leaks because of all the water sources in it. A toilet tank could be dripping, or water may be leaking from the base of the toilet. A bathroom sink might have a loose connection, or there could be a leaking supply pipe behind a shower wall.
If you notice roaches in the bathroom, it’s a pretty good sign the bugs are getting water from somewhere. You may need the help of a plumber in locating the leak and making repairs.
When a rise in bugs alerts you to a problem, or when your home develops a musty odor, give Aero Plumbing a call. We'll find the
plumbing leak and repair it so you can say goodbye to those bothersome house pests.
