Heavy rainfall can do more than fill your gutters or saturate your yard—it can expose hidden leaks in your home’s plumbing system. While you might be able to spot obvious leaks, like a dripping faucet or puddles, other leaks can remain concealed until a weather event such as heavy rain highlights the problem. If these leaks go unnoticed, they can cause significant damage over time.
Here’s how heavy rainfall can reveal hidden leaks and how to protect your home!
Pressure on Your Plumbing System
When heavy rain hits, the increased water flow and pressure can stress your plumbing system. If your pipes have any weak spots, such as small cracks or gaps, the excess water pressure can force those weaknesses to worsen, leading to leaks. This is especially common in outdoor plumbing or pipes buried under the foundation, where small leaks may have gone unnoticed until a major storm.
Foundation Shifts
During heavy rainfall, the soil around your home can become saturated, causing it to shift. Even small shifts in the soil can cause your home’s foundation to move or settle, which can put additional pressure on underground pipes. These shifts may lead to cracks in your pipes, ultimately resulting in slab leaks or other hidden leaks that can cause significant water damage if not addressed.
Water Seepage Through Walls or Floors
Heavy rain can also expose hidden leaks by infiltrating cracks in your foundation, walls, or floors. Water seepage can occur in basements, crawl spaces, and even inside your walls. Over time, this moisture can lead to mold growth, wood rot, and other structural damage that can be costly to repair.
Signs of Hidden Leaks After Rainfall
If you’re worried that recent heavy rain may have exposed hidden leaks in your home, here are some signs to look out for:
- Sudden spikes in your water bill that indicate water usage beyond your usual amount.
- Damp or wet spots on your walls, floors, or ceilings without any obvious source.
- Mold or mildew growth, particularly in areas that aren’t normally prone to moisture.
- Pooling water around your foundation could suggest a slab leak.
Preventing Water Damage
It’s important to have your plumbing system inspected to prevent costly repairs and further damage, especially after periods of heavy rainfall. Early detection of leaks can save you from the expense of major repairs while also protecting your home’s structural integrity.
If recent heavy rain has you concerned about hidden leaks in your home, don’t wait! Call Inland Empire Leak Detection at (951)442-5399 to learn more about our emergency leak repair services in Riverside, CA, and schedule an inspection today.
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