The plumbing that makes up your home is a complex system, and sometimes things go wrong. All sorts of wear and tear can cause a plumbing leak in Grand Rapids. If you don’t realize there’s a leak in your home, it can cause some major damage to your home and your bank account. Just what kinds of damage can leaks cause?

Here’s a list of just some of the things caused by a plumbing leak in Grand Rapids:

Mold and mildew

A big sign that water is leaking in your home is the growth of mold and mildew. Both of these things tend to grow in areas with high moisture and can cause health problems for the household.

Damaged paint and wallpaper

It’s possible for leaks to happen inside of your walls. If that happens, paint can peel or warp, and wallpaper can crack or become discolored.

Stained walls and ceilings

If there’s a leak in your roof, stains may form on your walls and ceilings. The color may be able to tell you what caused the leak. As a rule of thumb dark brown or copper stains tend to be caused by leaking pipes.

Musty odors

Mold and mildew have a very distinct scent. If you smell a musty smell that isn’t normally there from older folks living there, it might be a sign of a leak, and you should call a plumber as soon as you can.

Warped wood

Any kind of leak is very harmful to wood and can cause it to warp. The damage may be subtle, but it’s a good idea to check the wood in your house for curved planks, uneven surfaces, and slight discoloration. In addition, warping can also affect the doors in your home, making it hard to open or close them.

Condensation

Does it look like the walls are sweating? That’s condensation, and it’s a sign that there’s a lot of moisture accumulating behind the wall. If there’s condensation, the most likely reason for this is because something is leaking behind it.

Damaged flooring

Leaks can damage flooring other than just wood. When looking for leaks, be aware of warped floors, stains, soft areas, loose or cracking tiles, peeling caulk, and damp carpets.

Damaged roof shingles

If your roof is leaking, the simplest way to find it is to check the shingles. If they’re bald, buckling, curling, or missing altogether, it’s likely a sign of a leak.

Cracked garage floor

Leaks in your home can also occur underground. If you notice cracks in your garage floor, an underground waterline may be leaking. Broken pipes beneath your home may also cause soil erosion, causing parts of the house to settle at a lower level.

Warm and damp floors

Damp floors can indicate a plumbing or foundation leak. However, if the dampness is also warm, the problem may be with your water heater. If your water heater isn’t the problem, you might have a sewer line leak. Hot water leaks are a bigger problem since mold grows better with hot water.

What makes Vander Hyde a local expert on plumbing?

Vander Hyde Service has been helping homeowners with their plumbing and other home service problems since 1992. Nobody should have to wait to deal with a leaky pipe. That’s why we offer 24/7 emergency service for your plumbing problems. From backed-up bathtubs to water backups in your basement, we’ve seen it all and know how to deal with it all. Don’t wait to fix your plumbing leak in Grand Rapids; call Vander Hyde Service today!