Rainy seasons are enjoyed by many for the positive impact it can have on dry landscapes like we have here in Arizona. Rain can often mean cooler temperatures and greener surroundings. However, the added moisture in the environment can have negative impacts on buildings, roofs, and walls. If you’ve noticed a damp spot and aren’t sure if it is a plumbing issue or a leak caused by rain, read on to learn some of the signs to determine the difference.
If you have a damp spot on your wall, floors, or ceiling and aren’t sure what the cause could be, the first thing to do is to check your recent water usage. Take a look at your water bill and see if there are any unusual patterns of excess use. You can also check your water meter to see if there is a hidden leak in your home. To do this, turn all of the water fixtures off in your home. Take note of your meters reading, wait ten to fifteen minutes while using NO WATER in the home, and check the meter again. If the number has changed, or if the small wheel on the meter is moving, you most likely have a plumbing leak and it is time to call the professionals. If you aren’t sure of how to read your water meter look here for information on the different types of water meters and how to understand them.
If your meter shows no obvious signs of a leak, but you believe the leak to be caused by a plumbing issue, give Instant Plumbing and Rooter a call today to schedule an appointment with one of our expert plumbers who can help diagnose and repair the leak once and for all.
If your leak is coming from your ceiling, continue on here to learn more about determining what is causing your roof leak, and whether or not it is plumbing related. . .
If you are noticing a leak coming from your roof or ceiling, there are two immediate things you can attempt in order to determine what is causing the leak. If you have an attic or over ceiling crawl space, look inside the space above where the leak is showing to see if there are any watermarks or nearby pipes that the water can be coming from. Remember, water can travel along pipes for some distance before finally dripping off. So where you are seeing the water from a leak, may not necessarily be where the actual leak is.
If you are still not certain of where the leak is coming from, you can check the shingles on the top of your roof, if you are physically able and comfortable to do so. Checking for loose shingles or obvious signs of water entry on your roof can help definitively determine that your leak was caused by rain. If you are not comfortable with accessing the roof on your own, and believe the leak may be due to the roof and not a plumbing issue, then we recommend calling a licensed roofing professional for further assistance. If you aren’t certain of what the next steps are today, rest assured that you can always give us a call at (480)353-7267 for help in determining what the best next steps might be.
