While a plumbing leak can cause severe damage, not all are obvious. It may take some digging to find a hidden leak, especially in the bathroom. If it is left untreated, a leak can be costly and it can damage paint, flooring and walls. Homeowners can look for the below signs to determine when it is time to hire Hometown Plumbing Sewer & Drain Inc. for Leak Detection in Bakersfield.
Mold and Mildew
Regardless of how well or frequently a bathroom is cleaned, mildew or mold can grow if there is a leak. Mold grows in dark, moist areas, and hidden pipes provide the perfect breeding ground if a leak occurs. While it is normal for a bit of mildew to grow where water accumulates, mildew in the corners is a sure sign that water is leaking somewhere. Leaking pipes provide abundant moisture, and the longer a leak goes untreated, the faster mold will spread.
Damaged Wall Coverings
Walls with peeling paint or wallpaper are another telltale sign of a plumbing leak. In most instances, steam from a hot shower should not cause wall coverings to peel. When moisture gets between the wall and the covering, it breaks the bond and the two begin to separate.
Damage to Walls
A stained or warped wall is a clear sign of a plumbing leak in the bathroom. When drywall gets wet, it bubbles and gets soft, finally breaking into chunks. If the plumbing leak gets to the ceiling, it may sag and eventually collapse. After leak detection, the wet drywall must be removed before the damage can be repaired.
Ruined Flooring
Unless the homeowner intentionally allows water to accumulate, bathroom floors rarely suffer water damage unless a leak occurs. If the bathroom floor is cracking, buckling or staining for no reason, a hidden leak is likely to blame. Leaks can come from pipes underneath the floor, or they can travel from another area.
Stained Ceilings
If there is a second-floor bathroom, a homeowner might spot a leak in the ceiling directly below. However, water may travel a significant distance, and it is possible to find stains on the ceiling in other places.
If, after a thorough cleaning of the bathroom, the homeowner still notices signs of trouble, a hidden leak may exist. If there is any sign of a bathroom leak, the customer should call a plumber for Leak Detection in Bakersfield.
Contact Hometown Plumbing Sewer & Drain Inc.
