Detecting water leaks in your home can be tricky, but there are a few telltale signs to look out for. If you notice any of the following issues in your bathroom, you may have a water leak:
- Mould or mildew
- Water damage
- Musty odour
- Loose taps
- Water stains on the ceiling or walls.
If you’re unsure whether you have a water leak or not, it’s best to call in a professional to help inspect your bathroom for any potential problems with your plumbing.
Here is some more information on the signs you may have a water leak in your bathroom:
Sign #1: Mould or Mildew
Water leaks can cause mould and mildew to grow, so if you see any unusual black or green patches forming on your walls or ceilings, this is a major sign that you have a water leak. Mould can cause a whole host of health problems, so it’s important to get it treated as soon as possible. If left untreated, mould can also potentially cause health problems like asthma, respiratory problems, and skin irritation.
Sign #2: Water Damage
Water leaks can also lead to water damage, which can cause expensive repairs, so it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible. If you notice that your walls or ceiling are starting to look damp, or that your flooring is becoming warped or soft, then you likely have a water leak. In extreme cases, water damage can even lead to structural damage in your home.
Sign #3: Musty Odour
If you notice that your bathroom has an odd, musty smell, especially during the warmer days, this could be a sign of a water leak. This is because water leaks can cause mould and mildew to grow inside your walls, and these can emit a strong, unpleasant smell. Don’t try and cover up these smells with air fresheners or scented candles – this will only mask the problem, and won’t solve it.
You’ll need a local plumber to come to inspect your pipes for potential leaks. The experienced local plumbers of Pipe Dream Plumbing are available in Essendon, Sunshine, Footscray, Hoppers Crossing and other Western Suburbs. Get in touch today!
Sign #4: Loose Taps
Water leaks can cause your taps to loosen over an extensive period of time, so if you notice that your taps are no longer as tight as they used to be, this could be a sign of a water leak. It’s important to get this fixed as soon as possible, as loose taps can waste a lot of water. Why does a tap become loose you ask? As water leaks, it puts pressure on the pipes which can lead to the deterioration of the fittings holding your taps in place.
Sign #5: Water Stains on Ceiling or Walls
If you notice water stains on your ceiling or walls, this is another sign that you may have a water leak. These stains are usually caused by water seeping through cracks or holes in your walls or ceilings. Sometimes the stains are obvious, but other times they may be more subtle.
If you’re unsure, it’s always best to call in a professional to take a look.
How can you tell where a water leak is coming from?
Of course, the best thing to do is get in touch with a plumber who will be able to find the issue for you quickly. However, there are a few things you may want to do yourself. For example, you can investigate the fixtures and appliances in your home, checking under the bathroom, laundry, and kitchen sinks to make sure they are dry. You should also look for puddles beneath the clothes washer, dishwasher, water heater, or near the toilets, showers, or bathtubs. If you notice any puddles you should call a plumber immediately!
How do plumbers find water leaks in walls?
Plumbers like the team at Pipe Dream Plumbing & Drainage are highly skilled and experienced and have a great selection of tools at their disposal that can help them figure out where a leak is coming from. This includes ground microphones and listening discs, which are some of the most standard tools used by plumbers to figure out a water leak and pinpoint where it is coming from.
If you think you may have a water leak in your bathroom, it’s important to take action right away. As mentioned in this blog post, water leaks can cause serious damage to your home and can lead to expensive repairs. It’s best to call in a professional to help assess the situation and determine the best course of action. Taking care of a water leak as soon as possible will help minimise the damages and ensure that your home is safe and comfortable for you and your family.
If you are worried that you have a leak in your bathroom or anywhere else in your home, please do not hesitate to contact us today for more information.
