How to Locate a Water Leak
Day in and day out, you rely on your home’s plumbing system to deliver a steady supply of water – cold or hot. For the most part, your plumbing performs with flying colors. But every now and then, water doesn’t exactly go where it should. A leak forms, for example, and can go places where it shouldn’t from a crack or leak in your pipes. And from there, who knows what to expect – a lot of water to clean up, structural damage, ruined personal belongings? If a water leak is obvious, you can stop it by shutting of the water valve to that fixture, like a sink or toilet. But what about those you can’t see or hear?
Read on for tips on how to determine whether a hidden water leak has sprung so you can act swiftly to prevent serious damage.
Keep an eye on the water bill. Your monthly water bill should be consistent from month to month. Sure, you may see a spike during the summer months with the sprinkler system going or when guests come for an extended stay, but if you notice a sudden spike, you may have a leak.
Check the water meter. Suspect a hidden leak? Turn off all faucets and water-using fixtures/appliances. Check the meter and make note of the numbers. Don’t use any plumbing for an hour and check the meter again. Have the numbers gone up? If so, there’s a leak.
Is the grass greener on the other side? No, we don’t mean your neighbor’s. If an area of your lawn is noticeably greener and the grass seems to grow faster than in the rest of the area, it could be a sign that a buried water line is leaking. If severe enough, you may even notice puddling.
Check appliances and fixtures. If you suspect a leak inside your home, look under kitchen and bathroom sinks, around the base of tubs, toilets, and showers, beneath and around the water heater, washing machine, and dishwasher. If you see any puddles, shut off the water supply to that appliance or fixture and call a plumber or appliance repair technician.
Dye the toilet. Sounds like a fun arts and crafts project, doesn’t it? Toilets are among the most common plumbing fixtures to spring leaks. The flapper can become brittle over time and allow water to trickle into the bowl from the tank. To put that theory to the test, place a few drops of food coloring into the tank of every toilet in your home. If there is a leak, the color will soon appear in the bowl.
Watch for clues. A water leak can occur at any moment. Be on the look out for wall discoloration, bubbling or peeling wallpaper or paint, a dripping sound, or a musty smell. And keep in mind that not all leaks are plumbing leaks. Water can enter around a window, through the roof, or through a crack in a homes’ foundation. Whatever the source, address water leaks promptly to reduce the risk of damage and mold growth.
Let’s say you do have a hidden water leak – now what? Well, to make matters simple for you, one call to Best Choice Plumbers will get the problem solved, no matter what’s involved – including pipe repair or replacement. We not only repair leaking pipes, but we can also quickly spot the extent and location of each using specialized equipment. That means less damage to your home to get at the problem area, and a faster solution. Call today to a report a water leak or any other plumbing matter that requires professional attention.