You can often tell a water pipe is leaking from damp patches, stains, drips or a musty smell near where the pipe runs. Other signs include warped flooring, lower water pressure, a higher water bill and the sound of running water when no taps are on. One sign alone does not always mean a leak, but several together are worth checking.
Signs You Can See
The most obvious sign is water where it should not be. Look for drips from pipes, joints or valves under sinks, behind toilets and around the boiler. Small puddles that keep coming back, even after you wipe them up, often point to a slow leak.
Damp patches or brown and yellow stains on ceilings and walls can also be a clue, especially below a bathroom. Paint may bubble or peel, and wallpaper can start to lift. Green or white crusty marks on copper pipes and fittings can show that water has been seeping out over time.
Signs You Can Smell, Feel or Hear
A musty, earthy smell in a cupboard or room can be associated with damp from a leak. You may also notice mould spots appearing in places that do not usually get wet, such as inside a kitchen unit.
Floors can give clues too. Laminate or wood flooring may swell, lift or feel soft underfoot. Carpets may feel damp near a wall. Listen as well. If you hear water running or hissing when nothing in the house is using water, a pipe could be leaking somewhere.
Changes in Pressure and Water Use
A leak can sometimes cause lower water pressure at your taps or shower, because some of the water is escaping before it reaches them. Low pressure can have other causes, though, so it is not proof on its own.
If you have a water meter, a sudden rise in your bill without any change in how you use water may also suggest a leak. Some boilers lose pressure and need topping up often when there is a leak on the heating system. Keep a note of what you notice and when, as this can help a plumber find the cause faster.
What to Do Once You Spot the Signs
If you can see where the water is coming from, put a bowl underneath and dry the area. If the leak is getting worse, turn off the water at the stopcock, if it is safe and you know where it is. Keep clear of any wet electrical fittings.
A drip from a joint or valve may only need a small repair, but it is still best to act early. You can find out more about getting a leaking pipe fixed and what a plumber will check. If you cannot see the source at all, the water may be hidden under a floor or inside a wall, and a different approach may be needed.
If you have noticed signs of a leak in your Swindon home, give Emergency Plumber Swindon a call on 01793 569521 and we can help you find out what is going on.