Leakages that occur in water and gas systems lead to serious problems that, if not detected on time, would cause immense loss. Early signs must be identified because their absence can lead to expensive repairs and other dangers. Signs of a water leak include high water bills, wall or ceiling stains, molding, and low water pressure. Stay alert for the sound of running water; you may hear it even after the taps are shut off, and be wary of any puddle or soft area in your yard.
An indication of a gas leak may not always be immediate, which is why if you have non-specific health symptoms like dizziness or nausea, your suspicions may be true.
Reach out to Water and Gas Leak Detection & Repair in Santa Clarita experts for more details.
Increased Utility Bills
Even if you are consuming as much water or gas as you always have, if you see your bills rising, you might be experiencing a leak.
Closely monitoring fluctuations in the utility bills, especially when the bill shot increases, can help you identify leakages in good time, hence saving you a lot of money and resources.
Visible Moisture or Mold Growth
Water damage always results in signs of water stains on the walls, ceilings, or even floors because of leakages. Leaking can also cause different forms of discomfort and, in severe cases, can lead to mold formation.
Mold is known to grow where there is humidity, and it comes in black, green, or even white-colored structures. This means that if you find mold where there is usually little moisture, then there is likely water dripping from somewhere close. Worthy to note, mold causes health issues, therefore the problem has to be given preference if seen or felt.
Unusual Sounds or Smells
Both in water and gas systems, you can easily detect unusual sounds or smells in case of a leak. With water leaks, you might recognize a sound of water droplets incessantly falling even if the faucets have been closed or a hissing sound coming from the pipework behind the walls or underneath the floor.
While gas leaks may be odorless, they usually have an added sulfur compound to give off a smell often referred to as the ‘rotten egg’ smell resulting from natural gas. If you smell these odors or hear these sounds, you need to check if there is a leak, since it can be deadly and needs immediate response.
Low Water and/or Gas Pressure
The symptom that is most related to a leak is the much reduced water pressure in the plumbing system of a building. Water that is intended to pass through your pipes may leak through cracks or joints or lower pressure at the faucets.
Similarly, the decrease in pressure in gases suggests that there could be some leaking. If you experience those problems repeatedly, then it is a clear indication that there is something wrong that requires treatment.
Conclusion
If you find water and gas leaks early enough, they do not cause much harm to the house or pose a significant risk to your health. The following signs indicate that there is something wrong with your utility pipes: high utility bills, discoloration, dampness, mold, noises & smells, or low water pressure.