Man catching water leaking from ceiling

Noticing puddles around your home? How about water stains? Is your water bill on the rise? Water has a way of sneaking around your home and can bring unsettling surprises, which is why you’ll want to know what to do if your house floods. From low water pressure to bubbling paint or wallpaper, you’ll want to keep an eye out for the signs that could indicate your water supply line is leaking.

How to Detect a Water Supply Line Leak

Like a tree, your water supply lines have a sort of “trunk” — a main water supply pipe that enters your home underground and goes into your basement or mechanical room. From there, the water lines branch out and connect to fixtures throughout your home, supplying each one with hot and cold water.

A leak can occur anywhere, and with the majority of these water lines hidden behind walls and ceilings, leaks can be hard to find.

Reasons Your Water Supply Line May Be Leaking

You don’t expect a water line to start leaking, so it can be a real surprise when it does. Leaks can occur with age and deteriorating pipes and fittings. Another common cause is improper installation of the water lines when the house was built. Many times, it’s a combination of both.

Signs of a Water Supply Leak

Here are some of the signs to look out for if you suspect a leak has sprung:

  • Water marks or stains on the ceiling
  • Low water pressure at a fixture
  • Puddles around your home’s appliances and fixtures (toilets, bathtubs, sinks, dishwashers, washing machines)
  • Damp or bubbling drywall
  • Unpleasant musty smells
  • Dripping, hissing, or spraying sounds
  • Unusually high water bills

While puddles can be fun to splash around in on a rainy day, the ones you find in your home are not. If you’re noticing any of the signs listed above, it’s time to call a plumber to come and fix the leak.

Solutions For Your Water Supply Line Leak

Once you’ve discovered a leak, locate the main shut-off valve connected to your house and turn it off to prevent any further damage. Now that the leak is under control, you can call your plumber to come diagnose and fix the leak.

Preventing Future Water Leaks

Worried about future leaks? Consider installing a leak detector, such as the Flo by Moen, to alert you when it senses even the smallest amount of water––giving you the chance to shut off your home’s water supply before too much damage is done.

Other smart ways to avoid future leaks are to check your home’s water pressure, use water softeners to reduce the potential for corrosion, replace your washing machine hoses, and be sure your exposed pipes are well-insulated to protect from colder temperatures.

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