Water leaks are a common occurrence in many homes. Unfortunately, not all these leaks are easily detectable; thus, they can slowly wreak havoc on your home without your knowledge. The leaks can potentially cause damage to your home’s structure or furnishings; therefore, it would be best to address them early. Repairing the leaks promptly will help you to avert disasters and expensive repair bills in the future.
Finding hidden water leaks can be tricky as the plumbing system in your home is often concealed behind the walls and underground. You will hardly notice when a pipe suffers damage, and the damages can only show up when they reach disastrous levels. Every homeowner must know how to detect a hidden water leak before it escalates beyond control. This post covers a list of ways that you can use to uncover hidden leaks, so keep reading.
Check The Water Meter
Every home has a water meter where water passes as it gets into the indoor plumbing. You can detect hidden water leaks by performing a water meter test. The test involves shutting off all your water outlets at home, including faucets and all water-using appliances then checking the water meter. If the water meter reading changes immediately, you will likely have a rapid leak. If the water meter is static, give it about two hours and check again. If it has changed slightly, you might have a slower leak.
Check Your Utility Bills
Another thing that can give you a hint of a possible water leak is the utility bill. Monthly water bills typically remain in the same range, so if there is a consistent rise without a change in usage habits, there is a leak somewhere. It may be challenging to determine where the leak is since some of your pipes are underground. It would be best to call an expert, for example, Dan’s Plumbing, to come and thoroughly inspect your pipes.
Check Your Usage
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average monthly water usage for a family of four during winter is 12,000 gallons. This amount could increase during summer when you need to water the lawn or garden. When the amount is exceeded for no apparent reason, this is a sign that you might have a serious leak in your household. It would be best to contact a plumbing expert to repair your system since you might not be able to detect where the leak is located.
Check Your Appliances And Fixtures
Your appliances like the dishwasher and washing machine might need some repairs, leading to slow water dripping. Disrupt all these appliances using the water meter test to determine which leaks. It would be best if you also inspected under your kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, laundry, and inside cabinets to make sure there is no moisture. If you find water puddles beneath the laundry machine, dishwasher, and water heater or at the base of showers, toilets, and tubs, you need to call a plumber.
Run A Dye Test On The Toilet
Toilets account for a lot of water wastage in a household when a leak is present; thus, you should check them to ensure they are functioning correctly. When the flapper in your toilet tank wears out, water starts to drip slowly into the bowl. You can verify if such a leak exists by dropping some food coloring into your toilet tank and then waiting for about ten minutes. If there is color in the bowl after the wait, it is evident that your toilet is leaking.
Watch Out For Leaking Clues
Certain telltale signs could alert you of issues with your plumbing system. These might include:
- Wall discoloration
- Bubbling paint
- Swelling of wood
- Bulging wallpaper
- Visible mold
- Musty odor
- Dripping sounds
The most probable cause for these signs is water leakages behind drywalls. They may result in a yellowish or brownish color on your walls, paint or wallpaper not adhering tightly, or bulging wallboard. When you notice these signs, then you need to call a professional plumber to come and fix the issue before it becomes more extensive.
Check Exterior Fixtures
Outdoor water fixtures should be included when looking for hidden leaks. If you want to test if a spigot leaks, attach a garden hose and turn on the water. If all the connections are tight and water seeps through them, your rubber hose gasket is worn out and needs replacement. You should also check on your irrigation system to ensure it works properly.
Conclusion
It would be best if you did not overlook hidden leaks, as they can lead to significant damages that are expensive to repair. If you are suspicious of a leak somewhere in your plumbing system, then it would be best to contact a professional to come and fix the issue. Although some of these issues might be easy DIY fixes, most of your pipes are behind walls and underground; thus, you need an expert. A qualified plumber will diagnose and fix the leaks before they escalate into significant problems.
