Hayden Jeffries
“Around 14,000 people in the U.S. experience a water damage emergency at home every single day.”
(Source: iProperty Management)
That’s a big number. And when water starts showing up where it shouldn’t, on the floor, under the cabinets, along the baseboards, your first thought might be, “Great. A pipe’s busted.”
But here’s the truth: not every water leak is a plumbing problem.
We were reminded of that just the other day on a service call.
A homeowner called us out because he noticed water in his house after being gone for a couple of weeks. He was sure it had to be a plumbing leak. His pipes? Maybe a faulty water heater? Something underground?
But after a full leak detection and inspection, the plumbing looked good.
No bad pipes. No broken fittings. No malfunctioning appliances.
What we did find was an exterior issue. Rainwater had been seeping in through the siding, something completely unrelated to the plumbing system.
And that’s important to understand.
Because if you call the wrong contractor or wait too long trying to figure it out yourself, you risk letting that water keep damaging your home.
Let’s break it down. If you’re seeing water damage, it’s usually from one of three sources:
1. Plumbing Leaks
This is what most people suspect first, and rightfully so.
Leaky pipes inside walls or under slabs
Faulty water heaters
Dripping faucets or shut-off valves
Running toilets
Sewer backups
If the leak is constant and the water looks clean, it might be a fresh water line. If it smells… well, you probably don’t need us to tell you what that means.
This is where experienced plumbers in Tulsa (like our team at Spot On Plumbing) can help. We have the tools and training to perform full leak detection. We don’t guess, we verify.
2. Roof or Siding Leaks
Water from heavy rain can creep in through:
Damaged roof shingles
Cracked flashing
Warped siding
Unsealed windows or doors
These leaks can show up in places that make you think it’s plumbing, like under a window or near a wall. Especially after a storm or a week of steady rain.
If your home’s been sitting empty, you might not notice it until the damage spreads.
3. Condensation and HVAC Leaks
Another common cause: air conditioning systems.
If your drain line is clogged or the unit is sweating too much, water can drip and pool in areas that look like leaks. Especially in attics or ceilings.
It’s sneaky, but it happens more than you think.
When you call us for a leak, we come prepared to get to the bottom of it. Here’s what we do:
Talk with you first. We listen. When did it start? Has it gotten worse? What have you noticed?
Inspect visible plumbing fixtures. Faucets, water heaters, toilets, anything you use daily.
Use leak detection tools. Thermal cameras, moisture meters, and in some cases, pipe inspection cameras.
Look for non-plumbing sources. If your plumbing is dry and sound, we start checking walls, siding, and other exterior signs.
We won’t try to sell you a repair you don’t need. If it’s not a plumbing issue, we’ll tell you straight up. And if we can’t fix it (like siding or roofing), we’ll point you in the right direction.
That’s part of being honest with customers. It builds trust. And we’d rather earn your respect than sell you a job that isn’t necessary.
Here’s how you can make sure you're catching leaks early:
Watch your water bill. A sudden spike usually means something’s leaking.
Check under sinks and around toilets. Especially after vacations or storms.
Inspect your siding and roof after heavy rain. Look for warped panels or dark water stains.
Smell the air. Musty smells = moisture.
Call for leak detection if you're unsure. Don’t wait until the damage is worse.
Water is sneaky. It can travel. It can hide. But with the right eyes and tools, it can be found before it becomes a disaster.
If you’ve got water showing up and you’re not sure why, don’t panic. And don’t assume it’s always a pipe behind the wall.
Sometimes it’s the weather. Sometimes it’s the roof. Sometimes it is plumbing.
And that’s where we come in.
At Spot On Plumbing, we help Tulsa homeowners find the source fast. We take care of real plumbing issues, and we’re honest when it’s something else. Whether it’s a tiny drip or a mystery puddle, we’ll help you sort it out.
Give us a call. We’re here to help.
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