Have you ever walked into a room in your home and felt like something was off? Maybe it’s a faint, musty smell, or perhaps your water bill has inexplicably spiked. These little clues can often be the telltale signs of a hidden leak somewhere in your home. Needless to say, detecting these leaks early is crucial, as they can lead to significant damage if left unchecked.
Seriously, water damage will only lead to one bad thing, and then another, and then another. Honestly, it’s all one giant nightmare, which is exactly why you need to do whatever you can to prevent plumbing issues fully. So, with that said, here’s exactly what you need to know and what you can do to outright avoid any common yet overlooked signs of a leak that could be hiding within your home.
Musty Odors
That’s right, already circling back to what was being said just right above, and with good reason too. For the most part, gross odors in a space might be one of the biggest giveaways for a potential leak. Usually, it’s a damp smell, sometimes even gross sewage, too, and neither is pleasant. Water that seeps into walls, floors, or ceilings can create the perfect environment for mold and mildew to thrive. If you catch a whiff of something musty and can’t pinpoint the source, it’s time to investigate further.
Unusual Sounds of Water
This is technically not a hidden one, and the second you notice this, you need to call a plumber so they can do a residential leak detection within your home immediately, but you’d be surprised how often homeowners shut off the idea of hearing running water or dripping water. It’s almost as if this is expected or normal or something like that. But here’s the thing: it’s the furthest thing away from being normal at all! So, with that said, this is a big giveaway, but so many homeowners pay little mind to it, which is why it’s on this list.
Peeling Paint or Wallpaper
While yes, technically, over time this can and will happen to walls, you have to understand that it’s years, like at least a decade, for these usually peel. But prior to that, if you’re noticing peeling and chipping, then this might potentially be a sign for a hidden leak. But how? Water can cause paint and wallpaper to lose their adhesive qualities, leading to peeling and bubbling. Sure, it’s usually in the kitchen or bathroom, but technically, this could happen in any space in your home. It’s not a guarantee, but this could just be a possibility.
Your Floor Feels Spongey
Now, this one is definitely a nightmare! If you’re experiencing this, just know that this isn’t normal in the slightest! Water can cause floorboards and subfloors to become saturated, leading to a soft, spongy feeling underfoot. This is especially common in bathrooms and kitchens, where leaks from plumbing fixtures or appliances might go unnoticed for some time. It goes back to earlier times when water damage could damage your home in so many ways, and yes, that goes for leaky appliances as well.
