February 05, 2015
Plumbing leaks are a bit more difficult to identify than most other plumbing issues, mainly because they take place in pipes that are often completely hidden from view. Just because you can’t see a plumbing leak, however, that doesn’t mean that you have no way of detecting it. Leaks are a very serious issue, and can cause quite a bit of damage depending on their location and severity. The more you know about how to detect plumbing leaks, the better chance you have of mitigating their effects as much as possible. Let’s examine 3 of the ways you can tell that you have a plumbing leak.
Discolored Water
Brown, red, or yellow water coming out of your faucet or tap is a sign of advanced rust somewhere in your plumbing. Once a pipe degrades far enough to start releasing rust flakes in to your water, it is either already leaking or very close to doing so. If you see discolored water of any kind coming out of your faucets, you should call a professional immediately.
Loss of Water Pressure
A gradual or sudden loss of water pressure is another common sign that a plumbing leak has occurred. This is usually the sign that convinced most people to call a plumber right away, but there are a few who will ignore it until the flow of water slows to a trickle or stops completely. Don’t be one of those people. A leak that is large enough to noticeably reduce your water pressure is large enough to cause severe water damage if left alone. Eventually, the pipe may rupture completely.
Stains and Mold
Most pipes are hidden from view, running through the walls, floors, and ceilings of the house. When pipes start to leak, the water from those leaks ends up damaging those areas. Eventually, extensive water damage will become visible on the walls and ceiling. If you notice odd stains spreading across any wall or ceiling, or if you see mold growth, you should call a plumber to look at it as soon as possible.
If you think you may have a plumbing leak, schedule an appointment with Bronco Plumbing Heating and Air. We provide professional plumbing repair services in the Sacramento area.