Listen to Your House for Sounds of Plumbing Leaks

Houses make a lot of sounds. Creaking in walls and rafters recurs due to structural settling or changes in temperature and humidity. Squeaking in floors is most often a result of walking over loose nails, which rub (squeak) against wood sub-flooring. These are common sounds, usually only randomly apparent with the blowing of a breeze, the cooling of the air, or the trodding of feet. They don’t happen all the time.

Sounds which carry a warning are regular, steady, ceaseless. A soft, rhythmic bump, thud, or  “drip…drip…drip” inside a wall, which is beside or below a plumbing fixture, is as important as a wailing siren.

It’s not always a broken pipe. Plumbing fittings may relax due to structural settling allowing water pressure to force through too thin solder or joint compound, or poorly connected pipes, valves, and fixtures.

Whenever such a “drip…drip…drip” is noticed, stop immediately and listen. Turn off all machinery in the house, so the quiet drumming of dripping water can be located. Then, whether you can pinpoint the leak, or not, call a plumber.

The discovery of a new leak, along with quick repair, can stop a disaster in the making. Water which pools or soaks-in, left undiscovered or unattended, can cause mold, odor, and rot. Along with a plumber, it may be necessary to involve at least one more professional to replace any materials affected by long-term decomposition.

As important as it is that you listen to this article’s words, it’s most important to listen to your house.

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