When you find that your water bill is climbing higher each month, it is tempting to overlook this subtle hint as the cost of everything increases. But in the case of your water, even a slight increase each month is more likely a sign that you should be worried about a water leak somewhere in your home.

And because the increase is not massive, you know that the leak is likely to be in its early stage, making it more challenging to locate. However, if you continue to ignore it, your water bill will soon double. And you will have no trouble finding the substantial water leak and the costly damage to your home. But the better choice is to follow the tips from professional leak detection experts to find the small leak before it becomes a huge expense and problem.

Why Stress About A Small Leak?

The apparent reason to look for a small leak is to save money. All wasted water is costing you something. But that is from the perspective of a cost-conscious homeowner. When you view a leak with the educated eyes of a leak detection specialist, you understand that even a tiny leak can lead to significant damage and even potential health issues for you and your loved ones.

A leak that drips just once each minute will dump over a quart of water each day. It does not sound like much, but in just over a week, two gallons of water are soaking the drywall of studs inside the wall of your home. Soon, that moisture will begin to degrade your house’s building materials and structural integrity and promote mold growth. That is also when odd health issues and complications can start for you, your family, and even your pets.

Locating Those Hidden Leaks

If you are concerned about a potential water leak hidden deep inside your home, there are a few tricks to locating it that the pros recommend.

• Listen- This can be a challenge during the hectic daytime when your house is buzzing with activity. But take a few minutes early in the morning or late at night to walk around the house when it is silent. Listen for dripping sounds in walls or ceilings.
• Look- Grab a flashlight and take a close look under cabinets, at walls, ceilings, and floors for signs of a water leak. It could be slight discoloration, a budge in drywall, or bubbling of a finished surface like plaster, paint, or wallpaper. All of these indicate moisture that is not normal. Don’t forget to check unfinished areas where piping might be exposed. Look for moist areas on a basement floor, oxidation or corrosion on a water line or pipe fitting, or signs of moisture on the exposed framing or structure of your home.
• Follow Your Nose- If you notice a musty odor in your home that is new, investigate for a water leak. That odd smell is likely to be due to mold and mildew growth from a small water leak that you might not even be able to see. The smell of mold is a dead giveaway that there is a water leak nearby.
• A Pest Presence- Bugs and rodents are very opportunistic. When there is a leak, they are first in line for free water. If you notice bugs or rodent droppings, act quickly to eliminate the leak before you have a pest infestation to eliminate as well.

For professional help locating a hidden water leak, call (866) 619-7063. The leak detection experts at Leak1 Leak Detection are available 24/7 to identify and repair any leaks quickly and cost-effectively.