One of the most heartbreaking episodes of home ownership is a slow leak from a burst water pipe hidden in a wall.

In this case, the T-joint of copper pipework in a Tea Tree Gully ensuite bathroom failed but went undetected by the owners.

They finally realized something was wrong when tiles started coming loose. While it was relatively simple to replace the T-joint, the damage to the wall was extensive and required major remedial work. We come across similar disasters where floors and even vanity units have ended up needing to be replaced.

The big lesson here is if you see any signs of a leak anywhere in your house, call Sharpe to investigate.

Slow leaks that are often undetected for months or even years can create expensive damage to a house. In timber stud walls, insulation can become saturated, exposing electrical wiring to dampness, which is a potential fire or electrocution risk.

Water damage can be just as extreme in brick walls, with the capillary action undermining plaster and other coatings. Long-term water accumulation that saturates timbers and structural components can promote structural weaknesses.

Damage to floors can involve warped floorboards, cracks in linoleum, mouldy carpets and tiles that lift from their grouting. Even minimal water damage breeds many types of moulds, which may lead to respritory illness. In fact, the sudden presence of mould is one of the most obvious indications that you may have a leaking pipe.

Other symptoms are bubbling paint and peeling tiles. If you have a leak in an upstairs bathroom, there may be a damp patch appearing on the ceiling below. It may not be immediately below the bathroom, as water can travel a long way through a building’s framework.

There are two other symptoms worth investigating. Old, accumulated water can give off a musty or earthy smell. If you still have this smell after cleaning your bathroom, or if you notice it after you have been away from the property on holiday, chances are there’s a leak somewhere. The other indication is the faint sound of water moving through a pipe in the wall when all the taps are turned off. Don’t ignore this sign that something is wrong.

If you have been in your house for more than a few years consider Sharpe Group’s scheduled plumbing service. Using a combination of visual checks, then pressure testing and moisture detection with specialist tools, our technicians can put your mind at rest.