In our last blog post, we talked about acoustic leak detection and how by using an acoustic listening device you can pinpoint the exact location of a water pipe leak that is affecting your water pipeline system, resulting in massive amounts of water loss each month. This acoustic listening device provides a non-invasive solution to locate and repair the pipe leak and get your facility running smooth again. As discussed, the leak will make a distinct “hiss” or “whoosh” sound, and this sound allows leak detection specialists to find and pinpoint the location of the water leak. However, in the article, we also discussed other tell-tale signs that you have a leak in your system. So, we want to take the opportunity to shed some light, and provide some well-needed insight, so you’re easily able to detect when you have a leaking issue and are then able to bring out trained water loss specialists, such as GPRS, faster so they can efficiently and easily detect your water pipe leak for easy repairs and reinforcements.
Besides the distinct sounds you hear when a damaged pipe is leaking, these are other common signs of a busted pipe, including:
- Unusually wet areas inside and outside the facility like puddles (big or small)
- Rusty, dirty, or bad smelling water
- Presence of mold or mildew
- Sudden drop in water pressure
- Unexplained, large spikes in water utility bills
- Potholes or sinkholes
- Structural damage to water pipe
- Watermarks (pockets of moisture) on your walls and/or floors
Below we’ll break down each sign, so you have the understanding you need in order to call out GPRS water loss specialists to your facility!
Sign #1: Wet Areas Around the Facility
Unexplained puddles of water inside or outside the facility is a typical indication that there is a water pipe leak in the area. These puddles can be found near a breakroom sink, outside hose pipe, bathroom, or any area where water pipes are present. However, a major sign of water loss comes from a usual dry area, such as a grass yard, where puddles of water are forming. This is a sign that the water pipe that runs underneath might be where the pipe has burst. Furthermore, mass puddles could form in the street or sidewalk as another tell-tale sign of water pipe breakage.
Sign #2: Rusty, Dirty, or Bad Smelling Water
If an underground water pipe is damaged or breaks, dirt or debris can seep into the busted area resulting in your water supply becoming contaminated, creating a bad smelling odor. Additionally, if the odor is there and the water turns a reddish-brown color, this is a sign that your water pipes are experiencing severe corrosion (rusting) and need to be taken out and replaced. In either case, dirt or rust, once it is contaminated your water becomes unsafe to drink, making a quick repair critical for your facility.
Sign #3: Mold & Mildew
The buildup of mold of mildew happens when there is too much moisture within a confined space of your facility, indicating a leaky water line. Mold and mildew are nothing to mess with as it can deteriorate and damage the foundation of your facility. Mold spores, which float in the air unseen, can be extremely hazardous, sometimes causing severe allergic reactions, depending on the individual. Therefore, if there are large areas of mold, with the spores contaminating the air of your building, you are putting your employees and potential clients at risk of even more danger.
Sign #4: Sudden Drop in Water Pressure
Having problems with your facility’s water pressure in sinks, bathrooms, sprinkler system, etc. is another direct sign of a water leak at your location. Signs include:
- The water pressure in the shower is weak
- Your washer takes twice as long to fill
- The water from the sink is only a small line or drizzle
- The sprinkler system isn’t producing a hard enough output
However, this could all be the result of a blockage in the water pipe, especially if it’s only a specific area that’s experiencing a backup. Regardless, if you experience a drop in water pressure you should have it inspected immediately by either GPRS’ leak detection or video pipe inspection technicians.
Sign #5: Unexplained Spikes in Water Utility Bill
A sign that most business owners will surely take notice of is a large, unexplained spike in their water utility bill. The steady increase or a sudden spike in your bill means there’s a small leak, perhaps a place that shows now visual signs, but is unnoticeable to the naked eye. Now, if you now, that you’ve been utilizing more of your water, then odds are there is no leak. But if it’s the Christmas holidays, nobody is in the facility, and your water bill is somehow bigger than when you have a packed house, then you should definitely have a leak detection specialist come out to your location.
Sign #6: Presence of Potholes and Sinkholes
Your facility’s main water pipeline may run directly underneath your driveway, sidewalk, or parking lot on your property. When an underground pipe leak occurs in the water mainline or any other water pipe that runs under these cemented floors, it causes the soil underneath to become soggy and unstable. And when the ground underneath becomes weak enough, it’ll start collapsing in on itself, leading to the formation of potholes and sinkholes. By detecting the leak, you not only can repair and stop the spread of these formations, but you keep employees safe by eradicating them.
Sign #7: Structural Damage to Water Pipe
One of the most expensive problems to fix, structural damage to your water pipeline system should be inspected right away if you notice the structural integrity of your system is falling apart. Considering that concrete absorbs water, cracks can form, which compromises the integrity and foundation of a building.
Obviously, this is a bad and potentially dangerous situation to put your clients and employees, who are inside the building, in. Once you notice these cracks, do not hesitate to call a leak detection specialist or video pipe inspector to find the leak and repair it before more damage or worse, injuries, occur on site.
Sign #8: Watermarks on Walls and Floors
Water rings, or watermarks, are small pockets of moisture that point to the sign of water dripping into the tiles from an upper floor. Additionally, these damp water spots can appear on the drywall, signaling a leaky water pipe from behind the wall.
When these leaks are left unchecked, like structural damage, it can cause dangerous situations for whoever is inside the building. Floors can collapse and mold can build up within the tiles or drywall which then introduces a whole different headache. It’s easier (and cheaper) to call out a GPRS water loss specialist to ensure your water system is safe and secure!