If you want to avoid the expense and hassle of having to replace your plumbing fixtures due to leaking, it’s essential that you be able to spot plumbing fixture leaks when they occur so that you can correct them quickly and save yourself money in repairs and lost water bills over time. Here are some of the most common signs of plumbing fixture leaks that homeowners notice.
Water Stains on the Ceiling
If you spot water stains on your ceiling, it could be an indication that your toilet or sink is leaking. To find out for sure, put some food coloring in each fixture’s tank and wait an hour. If there are any leaks, you’ll see color seeping through to your ceiling. (You can do something similar with a flashlight and check behind fixtures for telltale wet spots.) Before calling in a plumber, though, inspect your home’s pipes: If you notice discoloration or rusting around faucets or shower heads, you might have a leaky pipe rather than plumbing fixtures themselves.
Droplets on Walls
If you notice droplets on your walls or floors, it could be due to two reasons: Someone left the bathtub faucet running or your plumbing fixture is leaking. To determine which one it is, go to where water comes into your home and shut off all taps. If there are still droplets on surfaces after 15 minutes, then you know there’s a leak in one of your fixtures. Do note that it may not be as obvious as you think. You might want to try tapping around with something like a knife handle—if you hear gurgling sounds, then there’s definitely a leak somewhere in that area!
Stains around the Fixtures
If you notice stains on your ceiling or walls, it could be a sign that there’s a problem with your sink, toilet, tub or other plumbing fixture. No one wants to deal with constant dripping, which is why it’s important to make sure your home doesn’t have signs of leaks. If you spot stains around your plumbing fixtures , then check if there are any cracks in the mortar near where they connect to pipes. (A plumber can fill these cracks and repair them.) You should also inspect your fixtures for worn out parts and replace them if needed before calling someone for maintenance or repairs.
Water Running in Adjacent Sink or Tub
If you notice water running in an adjacent sink or tub, it could be due to a leaking bathroom fixture. If it’s dripping from your faucet, it’s likely due to old age and you’ll have to replace it. If there’s water running in your bathroom sink, that usually means that there’s an issue with your drain line; try plunging (like you would for toilet clogs) if nothing else works. In either case, contact professional plumbers for repairs as soon as possible.
Uneven Ceiling Height
One sign that a fixture may be leaking is an uneven ceiling height. When you pull out your tape measure, you may find that one side of your bathroom has three feet between wall and ceiling, while another part of your room features only two feet. If you think your shower head or faucet could be causing some serious structural damage to your home, call for help: it’s time to call in a plumber!
Sticky Floor
A leaky plumbing fixture is one of those things that you can’t see right away. However, over time you may notice puddles or drips on your floor, carpet or baseboards. This is an obvious sign that there is a leak happening in one of your fixtures. If you suspect leaking from any plumbing fixture in your home, it’s best to call for professional help to ensure that repairs are done safely and quickly.
Unusual Odor in the Bathroom
The bathroom is one of those places that doesn’t get much air circulation, so if you smell an unusual odor in your bathroom, it may be an indication that there’s water leaking behind your walls or floor. Check around your toilet and sink for stains, dampness or discoloration on your walls and floors. If you find some discoloration, follow it back to where it leads until you find where it’s coming from. Most likely, you have a leak behind a wall or underneath your floor tiles—or both .
Higher Water Bills
If you’re seeing higher water bills than usual and your fixtures are in good condition, it’s possible that there is a leak somewhere. Take a close look at your water meter (usually located inside your home) to see if it turns as you use water. If so, there may be a leak in your pipes or fixtures.
Signs of Fixture Leaks – Summary
Over time, our plumbing fixtures will begin to wear down and eventually break or leak. The signs above will give you a few tips to look for if you begin to have problems. But once you discover a leak or break that you cannot fix yourself, its time to call the dog! If you plumbing fixtures are leaking or have breaks, call the professional plumbing experts at Bulldog Rooter a call today to get started on your plumbing fixture repair and replacement!
