It’s time to stop paying for wasted water. Learn how to spot the signs of leaky pipes so as soon as you notice them, you can react. From developing mold to damage on your house, a leak can wreak havoc in your space.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average family can waste 180 gallons of water a week from leaks alone. In a single year, that can add up to nearly 10,000 gallons of wasted water. Stay in the know to save your home and water bill from leaks.

How can I tell if my pipes are leaking?

The main sign of a leaking pipe is if you see it leaking… if that were the case, however, you wouldn’t be reading this post. Since you’re here, it probably means your issue is with less obvious leaks. The main signs of those are:

  • An unexplainable increase in your water bill. If your water bill has gone up without associated use, then there’s likely a hidden leak somewhere.
  • Your water meter shows that you have a leak. You can look at your water meter to see if you have a leak. There are plenty of guides out there to help you properly read it so you can determine what’s going on.
  • Mold has developed on walls that aren’t in your bathroom. Do you have strange, unexplainable mold development? If mold has shown up on walls that aren’t inside your shower, it’s probably because there’s a leak inside the wall.
  • Obvious damage to your home. Leaks mean water is getting into places it shouldn’t. The longer they’re left alone, the more damage they’re able to cause. Floors can warp, ceilings can sag, and walls can become stained thanks to hidden leaks.

How can I prevent my pipes from leaking?

There are a number of things you can do to make sure your pipes are working properly. You’ll want to make sure that your home’s water pressure isn’t above 60 PSI at any given time. You want to avoid using chemical drain cleaners that can and will wear away at pipes, leading to more frequent leaks. Don’t flush things that shouldn’t be flushed down the drain, either. Trash in your pipes will cause clogs and clogs cause pressure, which leads to leaks.

What should I do if I’ve found a leaking pipe?

If you’ve noticed the signs of a leaking pipe in your home, you’ll want to get it fixed right away. Like we mentioned in the introduction, a single leak can lead to an exceptional amount of water waste. That water waste, in turn, can lead to avoidable increases in your home’s water bill.

So, if you need a leaky pipe fixed, what should you do? Call a professional plumber. While it might seem easy to find a loose fitting and tighten it, most leaks actually have more hidden behind the scenes. A professional will not only be able to fix the leak, they’ll be able to diagnose what caused it. You will then have the opportunity to fix that as well, preventing future leaks.

Leaking pipes are no joke. Hidden leaks in particular can turn into huge problems over time. A single drip, going all day, can lead to unwanted increases in your home’s water bill. Not only that, they can cause foundational damage and wear down pipe fittings.

Keep your pipes – and the rest of your home – safe by calling the pros the second you suspect a leak. Ben Franklin Plumbing has you covered, no matter what.