Standing water in your home is a cause for concern. It is important to find the source of the leak as quickly as possible to prevent further water damage and begin water mitigation. Although, tracing the source of the leak might prove to be a challenge. Aside from standing water, there are a few other tell-tale signs that you have a hidden plumbing problem that requires immediate attention.

Here are a few signs and symptoms that indicate you need to find the source of a hidden water leak before it becomes a bigger problem.

• The continuous sound of water when nothing is turned on
• Your water bill jumps over a period of weeks or months
• Your walls or floors have a wet, spongy, moist, or discolored area where nothing has been spilled
• You smell foul odors coming from floors or walls near drains or sewers
• You find warm spots on your floor, particularly on concrete slab floors

Here are a few things homeowners can do to detect sneaky water leaks.

Kitchen and Bathroom Leaks

If you suspect that your leak is coming from either the kitchen or bathroom, begin by opening the cabinet doors under the sink. Have a flashlight handy that you can use to shine inside, looking for any signs of moisture at the joints. Additional indications of a leaking pipe may include corrosion on the supply-line fittings and valves. Remove everything from the base of the cabinet and look for water stains, dampness, mold or mildew, and buckled or peeling material. All of these are a good indication of a water leak.

Ceiling, Floor, and Wall Leaks

Leaks that are coming from your ceiling, floor, or walls are going to require more effort to determine the source and to fix. Start by examining the flooring around fixtures and appliances that use water—toilets, bathtubs, dishwashers, and refrigerators. Good indications to keep an eye out for include cracked or warped flooring and spongy spots in the floor. Be sure to carefully examine the walls and ceilings of rooms that are located directly beneath bathrooms and kitchens as well. Any stains on the ceiling or walls, or bubbling or peeling paint indicate that there is moisture where there it shouldn’t be. Before you start ripping your walls and ceilings apart to find the leak, have a professional come out and verify the location.

Crawl Space Leaks

If you find standing water in your basement or crawlspace, be sure to begin to look for the source of the leak by inspecting exposed pipes. Good indications to be on the lookout for include corrosion, mineral buildup, and moisture. Additionally, look for any signs of mold, mildew, or rotted wood around the pipes, as that will be a good indication that the source is around the pipes.

Remember, water tends to flow downward so often the source of the leak is not going to be in the same location as the signs you find. While signs and symptoms won’t necessarily take you directly to the source of the leak, they will give you a good indication that you are in the right area.

If you are unable to find the source of your leak or the leak results in standing water or water damage, contact Entrusted for professional water mitigation. At Entrusted, we know the best way to remove excess water from your home and get your home restored.