Spotting Leaks in Your Building

No matter how well you maintain your property, water leaks can occur. When building leaks do happen, they are frustrating and expensive. These leaks can exist for a long time before you see any obvious signs, and by then, it could be too late to stop significant damage. Of course, there are clear signs of leaks, such as indoor or outdoor mold growth. Other indicators include puddled water by walls and equipment or water costs and usage spikes. Additionally, stained or sagging ceiling tiles can be clear signs of issues from plumbing, roofing, or HVAC condensation leaking on them from above.

However, not all warning signs of leaks are that obvious. To avoid the harm of undetected leaks, look for these signs:

Interior Signs

• Damp or spongy floors can indicate a leak from plumbing or HVAC systems under the floorboards.

• Leaks can cause musty odors, mold, or mildew growth and be a sign of a hidden leak.

• Blistered paint or loose wallpaper results from moisture, more than likely caused by a leak.

• The sound of running water when no fixtures or appliances are being used could be a leak in the walls, ceilings, or floors of your building.

• Decreased water pressure throughout the building could be a leak in the interior pipes or outdoor supply lines.

• Unexplained electrical issues could be the result of water seeping into conduits, wiring, or circuit panels of the system.

• Inconsistent humidity levels in climate-controlled areas might result from hidden leaks affecting the air balance.

Exterior Signs

• Building materials that are warping or separating at the seams can be a warning of leaking pipes.

• Scale, moisture, or rust on pipes, HVAC units, or metal structural supports can indicate exposure to hidden leaks.

• Holes in the wood from burrowing insects, like termites, are signs that moisture is causing rot and attracting these bugs.

• Water leaks can cause expansion and contraction in concrete, leading to significant structural damage.

• Bulging ground or greener spots in the lawn can indicate that underground pipes are leaking.