Plumbing leaks are pretty common, and every house will likely suffer from at least one. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average household’s leak can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year. Furthermore, 10% of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day. That’s why it’s important to fix water leaks as soon as they are identified. The longer you delay attending to these problems, the more severe they will become.

​​Water leaks aren’t just annoying—they’re silent threats that can do very real damage to your home. Every homeowner should know how to find a water leak. Water damage can stem from several locations, so when you first notice any sign of trouble, it’s best to reach out to Dave Burns Professional Plumbing Service. We offer a variety of top-quality plumbing services in Milwaukee and the surrounding area.

Why You Should Immediately Fix Water Leaks

Hearing continuous droplets falling from your sink or shower can be a nuisance but it shouldn’t be ignored. This telltale sign of a water leak might be caused by deeper problems occurring in your home’s plumbing and piping system. If left untreated, leaks can result in extensive and expensive damages to your home.

One reason to immediately repair leaks is that increased moisture can lead to mold and mildew. Moist areas create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and can cause a variety of health problems if inhaled over a long period of time. Another reason why you’ll want any water leaks in your home repaired is to help save you money. Leaking pipes use water 24/7, meaning that the amount of wasted water can significantly impact your water bill. Avoid wasting water and money by repairing water leaks as soon as they occur.

The minute that you notice that water is leaking into your home, you should fix them immediately. However, if the damage is beyond your ability to repair, be sure to call a professional plumber right away. They can help prevent major problems and even let you know about any other warning signs to look out for based on their findings.

The Most Common Sources of Water Leaks

If you notice water leaks around your home, you must find where the source of the leak is. Some leaks are obvious, such as dripping faucets and leaking water heaters. Unfortunately, many leaks go undetected for years because the source of the leak is not visible. 

Here are a few areas around your home that should be checked for leaks:

  • Bathroom –  You can usually find a leaky faucet or a broken shower head when you are in the bathroom. Also be sure that when the toilet is flushed, no water comes through the waste or out the pan collar onto the floor.
  • Ceiling – If your floor is drenched in water, a leaky ceiling might be the cause. You can check the state of the water to determine whether the source of the leak is due to a plumbing issue or if a hole in your roof is the cause.
  • Kitchen – Due to the presence of several faucets and pipes, the kitchen is prone to severe water leaks. Be sure to check the closest plumbing line or pipe leading to the cabinet.

Signs of a Hidden Leak

Discovering a plumbing leak is a good thing. While it’s not good that there is a leak, the good thing here is the discovery of the problem. It’s always a good idea to take a proactive approach to reduce the chances of any issues arising. 

If you want to know what to look out for, here are a few things to check in and around your home:

  • Presence of mold or mildew on your walls
  • Continuous dripping when no tap or faucet is on
  • Change in texture on your wall
  • Water stains and cracks in your flooring
  • Ceiling stains and cracks in your walls

Call Dave Burns for Milwaukee Water Leak Repair

While some homeowners attempt a do-it-yourself fix, it is best to call an experienced plumber to make sure all water leaks are properly dealt with so that they don’t reoccur. If you have noticed any level of water leakage in your home, you’ll be in good hands with Master Plumber Dave Burns. Call 262-679-1001 today to schedule a service call. All of our plumbing and water leak repair services are available in Southeast Wisconsin.