Water leaks are quite common, and they are bound to happen in homes and buildings, especially as they get older. Some leaks are apparent and can be noticed easily, but others may not be as obvious; you may have to go the extra mile to identify those. Leaks in ceilings made of concrete are more challenging to locate because the concrete doesn’t readily absorb water. Once water leakage begins to surface, it indicates severe damage inside, and you must address it quickly.
Water leaks in your ceiling are caused by either a roof leak or a plumbing leak.
Water Leaks Caused by a Roof Leak
A roof leak occurs when a hole in the roofing panel allows water from rain or other sources to seep in continuously.
Water Leaks Caused by Plumbing
A plumbing leak occurs when there is damage to the plumbing fixtures in your building, such as a rusted pipe, a loose-fitting, or a faulty faucet.
Whatever the cause of the damage, water leaks should be fixed immediately they are noticed. In addition, we advise that you should regularly check on your building to see if there are any issues.
Look out for the following signs when you are checking your building:
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Signs that Indicate Water Damage
- Water Stains on Ceilings
If there is a dark spot or discoloration in your ceiling, there is most likely a water leak there. Most times, such leaks come from the roof. But if you have a bathroom upstairs above that spot on the ceiling, the leak is likely from the bathroom. This leak could be caused by a broken pipe, worn-out tap, a leaky toilet, or a bad bathroom sink. This sign only appears after the leak has been there for a long time; therefore, you should address it as soon as you notice it.
- Mold or Mildew
They usually appear as a dark powdery growth on the ceiling or wall, and persistent water leaks cause it. Mold is a fungus that grows as a result of consistent moisture from damaged pipes. They can appear in different colors ranging from black to white, orange, green, or even purple. They reproduce by tiny, inconspicuous, lightweight spores. The spores can cause respiratory issues if inhaled. As the organism grows, it releases a gas that causes a musty odor that circulates that whole room. Experts should be contacted once the mold is noticed.
- Low Water Pressure
If the water flow pressure through taps suddenly drops, especially if no other fixtures are in use, then there is a possibility that there is a water leak somewhere in the system. This can be caused by a build-up of sediment in the pipes and waterways or faulty valves, thus reducing the amount of water running through the pipes.
- Sagging Ceilings
When your ceiling is sagging, it is often a result of a leaky roof or leaky pipe. It sometimes occurs with discoloration on the saggy part. Ceilings should be repaired immediately to prevent more severe and costly damages like a roof collapse.
- Peeling Paint or Wallpapers
If the paint on your ceiling starts blistering and flaking, it is an indication that there is a water leak in the ceiling or wall. Many times, this shows only after the leak has been there for a while and is often accompanied by discoloration of the affected part. It also requires immediate attention to prevent further damage.
- Abnormal Water Bills
There is a high chance that there are water leaks in your ceiling if your water usage bills suddenly become higher than usual for no apparent reason. The US Environment Protection Agency usually recommends that homeowners check their water usage regularly. If a family of four exceeds 12,000 gallons of water per month, there are serious leaks in the house.
Can Water Leaks be Avoided?
The use of quality and standard plumbing systems and fixtures can greatly reduce the chances of a water leak. But eventually, everything is subject to wear and tear. Therefore water leaks aren’t completely preventable. We advise that you should have periodic inspections on your plumbing systems. It could be monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, or even yearly. The most important thing is that it should be regular.
Don’t Ignore the Signs, Call Us at Roto Rooter of Greeneville TN
It’s really important to take plumbing leaks seriously no matter how small they seem. If left unchecked, it could cause serious damage to your building over time. Call us at Roto Rooter of Greeneville TN as soon as you notice any issues.