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Ways To Find Hidden Water Leaks

Written by Posted On Thursday, 02 May 2019 17:18

Water is a precious commodity, and that’s why we do our best to conserve it. As part of our commitment to helping the environment, we install water-efficient toilets, showerheads, and faucets. However, our efforts go for naught when there are hidden water leaks in our home.

Eventually, a water leak will get worse and cause flooding, which can ruin floors, carpets, cabinets, and furniture. It won't be surprising if you have to call a water damage restoration service to fix the mess that a water leak is bound to cause.

So if you suspect that there is a water leak somewhere in your home, then you must do whatever you can to locate it before it’s too late. Here are some ways to find hidden water leaks.

Check your water meter.

You have no idea a water leak exists until you receive an astronomical water bill at the end of the month. A huge water bill when there are just three or four people in a household is one of the most telling signs of a water leak.

Your bill is decided by the amount of water you have used, and it’s your water meter that determines that amount. So one of the first things you have to do if you suspect that there’s a water leak somewhere is to take a closer look at the water meter.

First, turn off all faucets, showerheads, toilets, and appliances that use water in your home. Then observe the water meter, and if it still changes, then that’s your confirmation that there’s a leak, and it’s a fast-moving one.

If the water meter shows no indication of changing while you’re watching it, leave it alone and check it again after two hours. If there’s a change, then there’s a slow-moving leak in your home.

Check the bathroom and kitchen.

Now that you’ve confirmed that there’s a water leak, you can then proceed to check your bathroom and kitchen, which are the parts of your home that use the most water.

Check the joints and the bottom of the P-trap under the sink and look for signs of moisture. Water stains, mold, dampness, mildew, and peeling material are also signs of a water leak, so keep an eye out for them as well, especially at the lower part of the cabinet.

Once you see any or all of the signs mentioned above, tighten the fittings immediately. Then turn the water back on, get the tap running, and see if it’s still leaking.

As for the toilet, all you need to do is drop some food coloring or dye into its tank, but don’t flush. Check it again after 30 minutes, and if the water at the bottom of the toilet bowl suddenly has a color, then your toilet is leaking, probably because of a defective flapper, which you can just replace.

Check ceilings, walls, and floors.

If your home has a second-floor bathroom, then a water leak there could cause water stains, peeling or bubbling paint, and warping on the ceilings and walls of the rooms directly underneath it. You should also check the floor around your washing machine and dishwasher because a water leak from any of these appliances could eventually crack or warp it.

These are just rudimentary ways of locating a hidden water leak that anyone can do. If you do all of the above and cannot find a leak, but your water bill continues to rise, then the leak could be underground. If this is the case, then it’s time to call in a professional plumber, who has the skills, experience, and the tools to locate a water leak in your home, wherever it may be.

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Judy Olsen

https://asaprestoration.net/

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