Water leaks can sometimes seem relatively innocent, especially if they're only small. However, there is always potential that the damage that a water leak in the house can cause will be significant. Your leaking pipe under the sink could be a symptom of something far more concerning elsewhere within your home. If a water leak in the house becomes unruly, the results can be terrible.
Late water leak detection will not only see your water bills rise, but it can also decrease the value of your home dramatically. If water is building up in your home undetected, mould and mildew will grow and spread. It can also damage the walls, floors and even the structural integrity of your property. All of this gets expensive to fix and will see your home's value plummet. If mould becomes severe, it can have several health implications too.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, if you work with leak specialists early to identify your leak, you can save yourself huge amounts of time, money and stress. Doing so will prevent any serious structural damage. To give you a helping hand, we've created a brief guide detailing some of the steps you should take if you have found a water leak in your home.
First, How To Recognise The Symptoms of a Water Leak in The House
You can identify if there is a leak in the house in many ways. The symptoms of a suspected leak are relatively easy to discover - if you know what to keep an eye and an ear out for. Being sharp to the kinds of clues which indicates there is something wrong could end up saving you huge amounts of money.
Rising Water Bills
One of the first ways that you might notice something is wrong with your water system is rising bills. If your water bill has shot up all of a sudden, this can be a symptom of a water leak in the house. Your water bill might go up in the summer as you water the grass more often. However, aside from this, sharp rises in the cost of your water should be treated with suspicion. Have a look at your monthly bills and, if there has been a rise, get in touch with leak detectors.
Check Your Water Meter After Turning All Appliances Off
Your water meter is a valuable tool if you think you may have a leak in your home. One of the most-effective tests you can perform to check whether there is a leak in your home is to first turn off all of your appliances and taps. Check the reading on your water meter, wait half an hour and then check again. If the reading has gone up, there may be water escaping somewhere in the system.
Look For Mould and Mildew
Mould and mildew forms through the presence of water in the home. A little bit of mould in the bathroom or areas of the kitchen are normal. However, if you have moulding walls, ceilings or floors, this could be a sign of a water leak in the house. Keeping an eye on these areas and calling out a professional when you spot something can ensure you deal with problems as soon as possible.
Follow Your Nose
As well as the presence of mould, musty smells are also a potential sign of a leak. This smell will usually be accompanied by a patch of mould or mildew, but sometimes it can be present on the inside of a wall. If you continue to notice a musty smell, it's worth having it checked out.
Stained or Wet Spots on The Ceiling, Wall or Floor
A water leak in the house can also manifest itself in wet and stained spots around the home. Keep an eye out for any areas of damage across the ceiling and any other stains or collections of water. Especially if you're seeing puddles in or around your home when there has been no rain, this is a sure-fire sign of a leak somewhere.
Cracks in The Foundation
One of the most troubling signs that you might have a water leak in the house is the appearance of cracks in the foundations of your home. This symptom shows that a leak has grown and is having a damaging impact on your property. If you notice a sudden crack - or a crack that has gotten wider - it should be investigated.
Assess The Type of Leak. Is Water Leaking From The Ceiling or Somewhere Else?
If you can, take a detailed look around your home to try and discover where the leak has originated from. If you have dark patches of damp on the ceiling, it may be coming from near that area. Similarly, keep an eye on the floorboards to get an idea of the source. This will help the leak specialist.
You should also thoroughly check the bathroom for leaks from your shower or sink. The bathroom is often where leaks tend to occur. Go through the home and check all of your taps as well as water appliances like washing machines and dishwashers. Finally, check the central heating system and boiler for any signs of leaking. When looking at your heating system, keep an eye out for signs of water near hose connections as well as pooling water around the system or areas of rust. Any information you have to pass onto a leak specialist will help them.
First Steps To Take Before a Leak Specialist Arrives
If you've confirmed that there is a leak in your home, there are a few initial steps to take.
First and foremost, you need to find your water stop tap. This is usually located underneath the kitchen sink. Turn the stop tap clockwise to shut off the water supply to your home and then drain all of the water in the system. This is done by turning your cold taps on until no more water runs through them.
You should also turn off your heating system. This is because you may not know exactly where the leak is coming from so it's important to prepare for all eventualities. Similarly, shutting down your electricity system will prevent any electrical accidents while you wait for a leak specialist to arrive.
Book In Leak Detection and House Leak Repair Services
Finally, and most importantly, ensure you contact a professional leak specialist to complete the work. By getting a leak specialist out as early as possible, you can save yourself money and hassle. They will be able to suggest the house leak repair services you will require for a water leak in the house.
Have You Found a Water Leak In The House? Contact Leak Tracers Direct Today For Help
Here at Leak Tracers Direct, we have a team of qualified leak specialists who are on hand to help you identify a leak in your home. If you've noticed the telltale signs of leaking within your property, and you've been searching for 'leak repair near me', contact us today. If your water bills have suddenly jumped up in price, your hot water isn't working correctly or wood flooring is warped, you might have a hidden leak.
Dealing with a leak can be a very stressful experience. You'll want to ensure that you reduce the damage as much as possible and have the problem sorted right away. The first step in the process is finding out where it is coming from. We are reliable leak detectors. We'll help you locate the leak, then contact your insurers to ensure the problem is resolved to the highest possible standards.
To find out more about our services, please feel free to contact us today. You can find us at Unit 1, 1417/1419 London Road, London SW16 4AH. Alternatively, call us on 0203 011 0902.