According to the Insurance Information Institute, about 25 percent of home insurance claims filed between 2018 and 2022 were due to water damage. This makes it the second most destructive force behind wind and hail, and even more than damage caused by fires.
One of the most insidious things about water damage is that it often happens without home or business owners even knowing it. Fortunately, there are some signs to look out for, which can help you know when it is time to call for a professional assessment.
Below are the main scenarios where you need leak detection in Raleigh NC. Keep reading to determine when you should call the pros, along with some information about what to expect.
There are myriad indicators that there may be a leak in your building. Here are the main ones to consider.
Water spots in ceilings or walls, and signs of moisture in basements or crawl spaces, are tell-tale indicators of water leaks. Mild discoloration (without visible moisture) can also point to a slow leak. While these are the easiest signs on this list in terms of detection, they can be the hardest to identify in terms of source, and therefore warrant professional leak detection in Raleigh NC.
That is because, often, the origins of the leak can be concealed in ceilings, walls, or other parts of your building’s infrastructure. A sewer leak may only be visible in an obscure area of a crawl space. This is all the more reason to call for professional assistance: the extent of the damage could also be concealed.
While harder to detect than other signs on this list, unexplained dampness in a room or other space can be palpable. Even if you have no way to test humidity levels, if you notice a room feeling “sticky” or “swampy,” it could be the result of a water leak.
Another non-physical sign of leaks is abrupt spikes in your water bill. Like other utilities, charges for your home or business’s water can fluctuate.
However, big spikes without any discernible reason can be an indication that there is a leak in your home. Especially if the high rate persists for more than one month, call professional leak detection before even more damage is done.
The presence of musty odors, especially in areas with poor ventilation, can be a sign of a hidden water leak. The reason is that mold, which needs water to live, thrives in moist areas.
This can be true for unfinished basements and crawl spaces, penetrated by outside moisture. However, if you notice a pungent scent that you had never noticed before, it could be a sign that a new source of water has infiltrated the space.
Mold growth itself can be a visible sign of a leak. Mold spores gravitate to water sources, so keeping an eye out for the presence of mold growth is a good way to know when to call leak detection services.
Even if, using the information above, you are unsure if there is a leak in your home or office building, there are many advantages to erring on the side of caution and calling a leak detection service. One is that professional technicians will have access to specialized equipment to pinpoint the problem. Examples include:
This alone yields several advantages. One is that they can find leaks in hard-to-detect areas, including spaces occupants cannot access or would not know to look.
Next, this not only can help you expeditiously find the root of the issue, but save you a great deal of time and hassle as well. And, if there is no leak, it eliminates the suspected cause and gives you the peace of mind that your building is secure.
A final advantage of hiring professional leak detection experts is that they can quickly recommend mitigation and repair approaches. These are both important. The need for plumbing leak repair is obvious, but the pros will also be able to offer solutions to minimize further damage until the restoration can be completed.
Now that you understand situations and circumstances that warrant professional leak detection in Raleigh NC, you can make an informed decision on how to move forward. A professional can advise you further on the right steps to take.
At Out the Door Plumbing, we understand the importance of having a reliable, efficient plumbing system in your home or business. We leverage decades of cumulative experience in the industry to find fast, affordable, effective solutions to leaks or other plumbing issues. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment.
When you need a professional and trustworthy plumber, give us a call.
Schedule a CallWe show up when we say we will. We have the necessary expertise, experience, and equipment to provide reliable Raleigh residential plumbing services.
For immediate assistance, call Out the Door Plumbing now at 919-777-4383