Is your water bill on the rise with no explanation? You put every faucet in the house to rest and yet you can still make out the sound of running water. Or perhaps you are finding dampness on a wall or floor that was perfectly dry as of last week.
West Texas homeowners have cause for such concerns, and it is not uncommon for them to be the subject of some late night worry. Left to its own devices a plumbing leak will do quiet damage to your home before a puddle is even in evidence. We at MAX HVAC and Plumbing Solutions are here to put those worries to rest. Our certified local technicians have been in Lubbock and all of West Texas for over 30 years and they know what they are after. Should you have any misgivings, call (806) 515-7104.
For the most part a plumbing leak will telegraph its presence well ahead of an expensive emergency. It is a matter of being aware of the red flags. We have put together a list of the more common ones so you can get ahead of things and put your mind at ease.
Your Water Bill Is Higher Than Usual
When there has been no change in the way you run your household, a spike in your water bill is telling. Unless someone has taken to longer showers or put in extra loads of laundry, a rising figure means water is getting away from you somewhere. Make it a habit to check the numbers from one month to the next; a minor leak can see thousands of gallons go to waste. In our arid climate that is something no one wants.
Water Stains or Warping
They like to be behind walls or under a sink but leaks will show their hand. Be on the lookout for:
- Discoloration in the form of yellow or brown stains
- Wallpaper that is bubbling or paint coming off
- Buckling in the floor
- Cabinets under the vanity that are damp
- Any softness when you walk across the room
All of this is water where it does not belong and it will take its toll on the drywall and framing if you let it.
A Musty Odor or Mold
Moisture that is trapped is an invitation to mildew and mold. A mustiness in a room, or dark spots making an appearance in the corners and along baseboards, could be due to a slow leak. And while unsightly, mold is also bad for the air your family is breathing. Better to put a stop to it than have a small matter escalate.
Running Water When It Should Not Be
Put the test to it. With all appliances and faucets off, listen for a drip, hiss or the sound of water in the walls. That would be indicative of a problem with your supply lines. The test is straightforward enough, but you need the training and equipment to zero in on the spot behind the wall. For that you want a pro.
Low Water Pressure
An unexplained fall in pressure is often a pipe leak. Some of the water is leaving your system before it gets to the showerhead or tap. Do not put it aside.
Damp Spots in the Yard
Leaks are not confined to the interior. Those in West Texas should give the yard a once over for any of the following:
- Patches of grass that are spongy
- Pooling by the foundation
- Soil that is shifting or sinkholes
- An area of the lawn remaining green while the rest dries out
- Wet ground accompanied by low pressure
Let an underground line go and you risk your foundation, so do not neglect an outdoor leak.
There Is No Point in Waiting
Small leaks have a way of becoming large ones, and the cost of the repair follows suit. To save money and keep your family in comfort, act on the first sign.
MAX HVAC and Plumbing Solutions is fully licensed (Plumbing License #M-44042) and insured. Under The MAX Guarantee we offer up front pricing, no upselling and no hard sell. Our work is done right by our certified technicians or we will make it right. We are on hand for emergencies round the clock and will provide a free estimate so there are no surprises.
If you have seen any of the above, do not let a drip turn into a flood. Contact us at (806) 515-7104. Let the team West Texas has relied on for 30 odd years handle it.