How to Check for Hidden Plumbing Leaks This Spring

Spring is typically one of Arlington’s wettest seasons. North Texas often experiences an uptick in thunderstorms and frontal systems from March to May each year, fueled by warm, moist air from the Gulf of America.

There are a couple potential ways increased rainfall can affect your home’s plumbing. The natural movement of soil can shift underground pipes, causing small cracks or misalignments that worsen over time. Additionally, trees and shrubs become more active in spring, with roots spreading in search of moisture—sometimes invading underground sewer and water lines.

How Moisture Affects Plumbing in Arlington

Although burst pipes are a risk during cold snaps, Arlington homeowners typically don’t have to deal with the persistent cold-weather plumbing risks faced by property owners in colder regions further north.  

North Texas homeowners face a different issue: expansive clay soil. This type of soil swells when wet and shrinks when dry, creating movement that can damage underground plumbing. Over time, shifting soil can:

• Disrupt underground water lines, causing small leaks or bursts.
• Put pressure on sewer pipes, leading to misalignment and slow drainage.
• Cause foundation shifts, which can crack pipes running beneath a home.

Springtime Root Intrusions: A Major Plumbing Risk

Tree roots naturally seek out water sources, and underground plumbing pipes and sewer lines are prime targets. As roots grow, they can invade sewer lines through small cracks or joints, expanding inside pipes and creating blockages. Some common signs of root intrusion include:

• Gurgling sounds in drains when running water.
  
  
• If a single fixture is draining slowly, it may be an isolated clog. If multiple fixtures begin draining slowly, it may be due to root intrusion or another issue affecting your home’s sewer line.
  
  
• Sewage odors near drains or outside in the yard.
  
  
• Patches of rapid growth or overly green or damp grass above sewer lines.

Being underground makes root intrusion difficult to detect without specialized equipment. A professional plumber with the right equipment can perform a camera inspection to determine if an intrusion has occurred, where it is, and how severe the issue may be.

Where to Check for Hidden Plumbing Leaks

Not all indoor plumbing leaks are immediately visible. Some occur behind walls, under floors or in vanities or cabinets that aren’t opened regularly.

Homeowners should always be on the lookout for indicators of hidden leaks. Staying aware of changes in your home is the best way to prevent property damage or insurance headaches:

• Open cabinets under sinks and look for water stains, dampness or corrosion around pipes.
• Watch for discoloration, peeling paint or soft spots on drywall or ceilings, which can indicate a slow leak.
• If your home does have a crawl space, you should periodically check it for standing water, especially after heavy rain.

An easy way to test for hidden leaks is turning off all water fixtures and checking the water meter. If the meter moves after an hour with no water usage, your home may have an undetected leak.

How a Professional Plumber Can Help

If you notice any of the above leak indicators, you can likely narrow down the location without the assistance of a plumber. If you performed the water meter test and believe you have a leak, but aren’t sure where it’s located, a plumber can help. Professional plumbers can:

• Use thermal imaging and moisture meters to detect leaks behind walls.
• Perform sewer camera inspections to identify root intrusions or pipe damage.
• Conduct pressure tests to find leaks in underground water lines.

Preventing Future Plumbing Leaks

While not all leaks are preventable, homeowners can take steps to reduce risks:

• Call a plumber as soon as you notice warning signs of a problem to prevent small issues from escalating.
• Keep trees and shrubs away from sewer lines to reduce the risk of root intrusion.
• Fix minor drips or slow drains promptly to avoid larger, more expensive repairs down the road.

Don’t Let a Minor Plumbing Leak Turn Into a Major Problem

By working with a licensed, reputable local plumber, homeowners can prevent costly water damage, improve water efficiency and protect their plumbing system.

If you suspect a hidden leak or want a professional plumbing assessment this spring, call (817) 277-4493 to schedule a visit from the plumbers at Tom’s Mechanical. We are committed to responding quickly to repair and service calls, performing detail-oriented work and treating our customers’ property with the respect we want from our own service providers.