Not every leak announces itself with a puddle. Signs of a hidden leak include a water bill that jumps without explanation, a water meter that keeps moving when every fixture is off, warm spots on a slab floor, stained ceilings, soft drywall, or a musty smell that will not go away. A burst pipe is the obvious version of the same problem, and it needs the water shut off right away.
Leaks come from corroded or aging pipe, loose fittings, freeze damage, high water pressure, or pipes rubbing against framing. In homes around Minneapolis, MN, the pipe material matters: older galvanized steel tends to rust from the inside, some copper develops pinhole leaks, and certain older plastic lines are known to fail at the fittings.
Haygood Plumbing connects you with an independent plumber who handles leak detection and pipe repair. Depending on the situation, the plumber who takes your job may start with a meter test, pressure test the lines, or use listening or thermal equipment to narrow down the spot before opening a wall or floor. Once found, the damaged section is repaired or replaced, and the plumber may recommend a pressure regulator if pressure is too high.
If a pipe has burst, shut off the main water valve, open a faucet on the lowest floor to drain the lines, and turn off power to any wet area if it is safe to reach the breaker. Take photos for your records.
When you call, describe where you see water or damage, what the meter shows, and how old the plumbing is. Ask the plumber whether the repair will need drywall or slab access and who handles patching afterward.