Water-related property damage from faulty plumbing accounts for millions of dollars in homeowners’ insurance claims each and every year. If an exterior pipe bursts and water is spraying all over, the leak is a cinch to detect. But what about those leaks that are not readily apparent until after there’s a hole in the ceiling or the basement is flooded? Here are some ways to tell if your home has leaky pipes.

Unexpected moisture under sinks

It is NOT normal to have any kind of standing water or even a thin sheen of moisture under your kitchen or bathroom sinks. The pipes should be completely self-contained thanks to proper design and caulking. Sometimes the leak is so small or so slow that you can’t see it easily with just a quick glance. Even if you’re only getting 5 drips an hour, that’s 5 drips too many: there should be none. Period.

Weakness in drywall

One of the most common areas for leaky pipes is the bath and shower. Just a simple crack or hole in the caulk around a shower control plate will allow water to seep back into the wall where it can wreak havoc. Water-related damage to the drywall in a ceiling or wall will have a “tannish” color and the drywall may bubble as well. Take care of the problem immediately or it will just worsen over time and possibly cause some extremely serious damage.

Mold and Mildew growth

Mold and mildew colonies can only grow in environments that have the right levels of moisture for them to thrive. If you have unexpected mold or mildew under your sinks or in other areas, their presence may indicate the existence of a leaking pipe.

Leaking pipes are not a problem to be taken lightly: if you suspect that you may have issues with your plumbing, contact a reputable plumber in your area immediately: leaks are problems that simply won’t go away on their own.