3 Signs There's a Leak in Your Plumbing

Water leaks can wreak havoc on your home, often causing damage that's difficult and costly to repair. However, sometimes it's hard to know there's a leak until the damage has already been done. If you suspect you are in need of leak repair in the plumbing of your Santa Fe, New Mexico, home - or you simply want to know how to spot one before it becomes a larger issue - take a look at these three signs you should keep in mind:

You hear a hissing sound

Whether you live in a brand new house or one that's a century old, your plumbing may make a multitude of noises, from clanking to gurgling and more. However, there's one sound in particular you should listen for that could indicate a leak: hissing. Hissing is typically a sign a valve isn't closing properly in some part of your plumbing - homeowners often notice the sound in their toilet tank or coming from their water heater. If the sound is coming from your toilet, put a couple of drops of food coloring in your tank, then watch the bowl to see if the color leaks into the water there. If it does, you have a leak.

You see mildew, mold or other signs of water damage

Mildew and mold grow from excessive dampness, humidity and standing water, so if you have a leak in your home that causes any of these, mold and mildew are a surefire sign of it. You should also look for dark spots on your ceiling (especially if they're growing larger), dimpling wall paper, peeling paint or warping floors - any of these could be caused by water damage from a leak.

Your water bill increases

The plumbing that runs throughout and around people's homes is extensive, so sometimes the only way someone knows there's a leak is because his or her water bill starts to increase. If you believe you may have one, here's a handy way to confirm it: Look at your main water meter, and write down the level you see. Then, turn off your main shut-off valve for several hours and don't use any water during this time. Check the meter again - if it's lower than it was before, you have a leak.

Call a professional

If you aren't sure whether you have a leak or not - or you know you have one but you aren't sure how to fix it - a local Santa Fe Roto-Rooter professional can help. He or she will be able to track down the leak and repair it quickly