Leaks can cost you money and lead to major damage to your home if not taken care of quickly. They also can make your house smell bad. While identifying and addressing leaks in your house is crucial, it’s also essential to maintain the overall structural integrity and appearance of your home. One way to ensure a well-maintained interior is by investing in high-quality residential plastering services. Plastering National offers exceptional plastering solutions tailored to your specific needs, ensuring a flawless finish and long-lasting results. By working with skilled professionals, you can protect your home from potential damage and maintain its aesthetic appeal for years to come.
The good news is that leaks can be easily identified if you know what to look for. Here are some signs to look out for that indicate a water leak. Visit Inner City Plumbing if you’d like to know more about plumbing services.
Water stains
Water stains can be caused by leaks in your roof, plumbing, or heating appliance. They are unsightly and can be hazardous, as they can lead to mold and mildew growth.
They may also leave a chalky residue on surfaces. This is called hard water staining, and it can become permanent if left untreated.
The first step is to find the leak. If you can hear dripping or the stain is in close proximity to a sink, toilet or other plumbing fixture, it’s likely that it’s coming from a pipe.
Once you have found the leak, call a plumber in Somerton Park to correct it. It’s best to fix the leak before trying to remove the stain, as removing it can make it worse.
Mold and mildew
When water leaks into your house, it can spread a variety of mold and mildew species. These fungi are prolific reproducers, releasing millions of invisible spores into the air that can lead to health issues when inhaled.
Molds grow on a variety of porous organic materials, like carpet, wallpaper, paper and insulation, in homes that experience moisture management problems. Mildew is less common but can also be found on surfaces like shower walls and windowsills.
Both mold and mildew can cause allergic reactions to individuals with a sensitive immune system or those who are already suffering from asthma or other respiratory illnesses. They may produce sneezing, coughing, skin rashes, nausea and memory loss.
Molds can also give off a rotten-wood or musty smell that can be difficult to remove. If you see mold, it is best to call a restoration professional to get rid of the problem. You should also take pictures of the damage for your insurance company.
High water bills
If you’re paying more than usual for water, there could be something leaking in your house. It could be as simple as a leaky faucet or shower head.
Toilets and other household plumbing devices are another common source of high water bills. The average leaky toilet wastes 200 gallons per day and can add
hundreds of dollars to your monthly bill.
Many water utilities allow customers to recover a percentage of their one-time leak loss by filling out a “courtesy leak adjustment” form and submitting proof of repair.
Other common culprits include faulty water-using equipment, such as water heaters and furnace humidifiers. These can increase your water bill, but you may be able to cut your costs by replacing or repairing these appliances.
Irrigation systems are also a source of high water bills, particularly during dry weather or when you add new landscaping to your property. If you’re experiencing high water consumption due to irrigation, consider applying for a “courtesy leak adjustment” from your local utility.
Sagging ceilings
Your ceiling is a crucial part of the structure of your home. It supports your drywall and other building materials, including plasterboard, cornices and cornice boards.
Various factors can cause the sagging of a ceiling. From termites to water leaks, poor construction or undersized drywall, the causes vary and can be costly to fix.
Another factor is seasonal temperature changes. Both new and old homes can experience a slight shift in the foundation of your house as temperatures change, which can cause problems with ceilings and other parts of your building.
If you see a sagging ceiling, you should call a building inspector immediately to inspect the area and determine what needs to be done to fix it. Leaving the problem unchecked can lead to further damage and possible injuries or fatalities if it collapses.
