Leak Detection

Where Are Some Common Places Leaks Can Be Found?

There is a lot of piping running through your home, meaning there are a lot of places leaks can hide out. Here are a few of the usual suspects:

• Under a kitchen or bathroom sink
• Around or inside the toilet
• Inside the walls or floor where your plumbing is located
• In the line running from your home to the pump or meter
• In your basement or crawlspace
• In the slab under your home

When leaks are not repaired, they can cause structural damage to your home and contribute to mold growth, which can put your family’s health at risk.

What Are The Signs I Have A Leak?

The fact we offer leak detection services is a testament to how challenging it can be to know you have a leak at home. Luckily, there are some hints something is going on:

Dripping Or The Sound Of Water Running

That persistent dripping sound when no water is being used isn't just annoying—it's your home trying to tell you something important. We often find that Pittsburgh homeowners have tuned out these subtle sounds as background noise. Even more concerning is hearing water moving through pipes when all fixtures are off. These sounds typically indicate water is flowing somewhere it shouldn't be, either from a failing valve, a loose connection, or a developing pipe fracture. Don't ignore these audio clues, as they're often the earliest warning of a leak.

Higher Water Bill Without Using More Water

We always ask our Pittsburgh customers about recent water bills during service calls because they tell an important story. An unexplained increase in your water charges despite normal usage patterns is one of the most reliable indicators of a hidden leak. Many homeowners don't realize that even a small, persistent leak can waste hundreds of gallons monthly. We've seen cases where seasonal bill comparisons revealed leaks that had been developing for months without any other noticeable signs, especially in vacation properties or homes with unfinished basements where visual clues might go unnoticed.

Wet Spots Or Discoloration On Floors Or Walls

When we see suspicious staining or dampness on drywall, ceilings, or floors, we immediately suspect a hidden pipe leak. These visual clues often appear far from the actual leak source as water travels along beams or inside walls before collecting enough to become visible. In Pittsburgh's older homes, with their complex layouts and multiple renovations over decades, these migration patterns can be particularly deceptive. Pay special attention to yellowing, bubbling paint, warped wood, or soft spots in flooring—these indicate water exposure that's already causing material damage.

Cracks Forming In Your Foundation

Foundation cracks developing in your Pittsburgh home might actually be related to your plumbing system. When water consistently leaks around your foundation from broken water lines or sewer pipes, it creates pressure changes in the surrounding soil. During freeze-thaw cycles, particularly harsh in Pittsburgh winters, this moisture expansion can gradually crack concrete foundations. We've found that diagonal cracks, especially those wider at one end, often indicate water-related soil movement rather than normal settling. These foundation issues rarely improve without addressing the underlying leak.

Appearance Of Mold Or Mildew

We frequently discover hidden leaks after being called about mysterious mold growth. When you spot mold or mildew developing in areas that shouldn't be damp, particularly in non-bathroom areas, it's nearly always evidence of excess moisture from a leak. These fungi need consistent moisture to thrive, making them perfect indicators of plumbing problems. Pittsburgh's seasonal humidity already creates favorable conditions for mold, so any additional moisture from leaks can quickly lead to infestations. Beyond the property damage, these growths can cause serious respiratory issues for your family.