Continue reading to learn the most common indications of leaky pipes, and what to do if you find similar plumbing leaks in your home or office.
Rust
Seeing rust on or around your exposed plumbing pipes is an indication of water leaks. It suggests that water is coming into contact with the outside of the pipe, causing the rust and corrosion over time. Look for reddish or orange-yellow stains on the bottoms of kitchen and bathroom sink cabinets, as well as, rust buildup on any exposed plumbing pipes.
Moisture
When you notice consistently wet or visibly-moist areas of your property, you may have found another common sign of a pipe leak. Condensation can form on walls, appliances, floors, and even ceilings, and can quickly turn into a moist mess. Also, bubbling on ceilings and walls is another indication that moisture is collecting as a result of a leaky plumbing pipe.
Wall and Ceiling Stains
If you have grayish, yellow-orange stains on your walls or ceilings, you can bet that there is a water leak somewhere nearby. Plumbing pipes often run through the inside of walls and ceilings in certain areas of the home. If a water leak occurs in these pipes, the accumulation of moisture and water will cause the exposed surface to discolor.
Mold
Mold is never a good sign, and seeing it inside sink cabinets, exposed plumbing pipes, and anywhere else is a sure indication that water is leaking from somewhere or something. Black mold and mildew are not only a clear sign that you have leaky pipes, it is a dangerous health hazard that should be addressed right away. Mold remediation can be tedious and expensive, so catching a mold outbreak early on is in your best interests.