Water Leak Symptoms Homeowners Should Know

Ceiling water damage near window frame.

Common Signs of Water Leaks

When water damage occurs in a house due to a leak in the plumbing, it can result in time-consuming clean-up services and expensive repairs. Households don’t want to spend time and money dealing with water damage or the growth of mold or mildew.

Homeowners can help prevent these problems by identifying signs of water leaks as soon as possible and calling a plumber for water leak detection and repair. This post will discuss some common signs of water leaks so homeowners can identify them quickly.

Suddenly Higher Water Bills

high water billsAn unexplained increase in a homeowner’s water bill, without changes in the household’s water usage, could be a red flag for a water leak. Leaking water pipes or fixtures waste water, leading to higher water costs. So, if property owners notice an increase in their water bills despite maintaining the same water-using habits, it can indicate a leak, and a plumber should be called to locate and repair it.

Other Water Leak Signs

In addition to rising water bills, there are several other signs that can signal the presence of a water leak. These can include:

  • Visible signs of water: Wet spots or puddles indoors or outdoors and water stains or other water damage on floors, walls, or ceilings
  • Low water pressure: A drop in water pressure from plumbing fixtures like faucets and showerheads
  • Signs of mold and mildew: Visible mold and mildew or a musty smell

Running Water Meter

water meterAnother sign of a water leak that homeowners might not think to look for is a running water meter when no water is being used. Homeowners can check for a leak using the water meter through these steps:

  1. Use nothing that uses water: Households first need to ensure faucets, water-using appliances, sprinklers, toilets, and more are not being used.
  2. Check the water meter: Homeowners should take note of the water meter’s reading.
  3. Wait an hour: Nobody should use any water during this time.
  4. Recheck the water meter: Compare the water meter’s reading to the previous reading. If it has changed when no water was used, it indicates a leak.

About Chosen Rooter & Plumbing

Chosen Rooter & Plumbing is a family-owned and operated business serving the San Francisco area. They offer flat-rate pricing and the latest technology. Call them for water leak repair services in San Francisco, CA.