Any plumbing leak is a major problem. Unfortunately, a hidden water leak can present numerous additional challenges and risks. The longer a leak goes unnoticed and unaddressed, the higher the likelihood it will cause long-term damage to your home. Even small and slow leaks may introduce enough moisture to lead to serious mold problems.
The best way to avoid these unpleasant situations is to learn how to spot sneaky hidden water leaks before they can cause large amounts of damage to your home. This guide will discuss three of the sneakiest water leaks and what you need to know to detect them before it's too late.
1. Slow Under-Sink Leaks
When did you last perform a thorough cleaning under your kitchen sink? Many homeowners neglect this area, using it as a storage location for cleaning chemicals and otherwise ignoring it. However, the space under your sink is a common site for slow and sneaky leaks. These leaks may go unnoticed if they're minor or your floor slopes slightly toward the wall.
Unfortunately, leaks in this location can promote mold growth or, in severe cases, cause wood cabinetry or flooring to rot away. The good news is that a little vigilance is all that's required to spot these problems. By frequently checking under your sink for unusual signs of moisture, you can spot even tiny leaks and call a plumber for help before more serious problems develop.
2. Leaking Dishwashers
Dishwashers are a common home appliance that often spring leaks without causing much drama. A failed seal on the front of your dishwasher will typically result in a messy puddle on the floor, but other leak locations are much harder to spot. Both the water supply connection and drain hose are potential areas that can leak without producing a noticeable issue.
In many cases, dishwasher leaks may go unnoticed because the dishwasher is slightly unlevel or there's a slight tilt to the floor that prevents water from running forward. Unfortunately, these situations can allow water to pool against baseboards and cause substantial damage. You may want to investigate further if you notice unusual dripping noises or increased moisture around your dishwasher.
3. Slab Leaks
Slab leaks can occur when plumbing runs through or underneath a concrete slab. These leaks are often the most complex and complicated to detect and repair. In some cases, sealing the leaking pipe and installing an above-ground bypass may be a cheaper and more effective option. However, doing nothing can eventually result in shifting soil and foundation damage.
If you're lucky, you may notice a temperature difference in a part of the slab or moisture seeping through the concrete. Often, the only indication may be a slight increase in your water bills. Luckily, a plumber can use more high-tech equipment to diagnose and locate slab leaks. Calling on a professional when you first suspect a problem is the best way to avoid more costly damage.
Contact a service such as AZ Emergency Plumbing LLC to find out more.
