Homeowners rely on their sophisticated plumbing systems day in and day out. After all, routine activities like washing the clothes down to using the toilet can become challenging when the plumbing system no longer works as it should.
During the scorching summer months, water consumption increases significantly as people often use their pools or showers. That said, leak detection inspection and preventative maintenance checks are beneficial during those times of the year.
Water leaks are prevalent. They can also occur anywhere—in the sinks, showers, drains, and bathtubs. Unfortunately, not all leaks are as apparent as a leaking tap or a burst sprinkler. However, the importance of detecting leaks early cannot be overstated.
Top Ways to Detect Covert Plumbing Leaks
Early leak detection will not only save you a massive amount of money, it can also help ensure you can avert any disaster that can cause damage to your property. Below are some ways you can detect sneaky leaks so you can nip any problems in the bud early:
Keep an eye on your water bill
Typically, monthly water bills are predictable. If you have not been doing anything out of the ordinary in terms of water usage, you can more or less expect to pay the same amount each month. However, when your water is abnormally high all of a sudden, you have reason to believe you might have a hidden leak.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that a family of four will only use around 12,000 gallons of water monthly. A staggering 900 billion gallons of water are wasted because of leaks—definitely, a massive figure by any standard. Undoubtedly, keeping an eye on your water bill is a wise and practical move.
Check your water meter
If you think you have a water leak and would like to confirm your suspicion, monitoring your water meter would be an excellent place to start. The water meter is typically placed on the side or back of the house. Water lines can also be found where the supply line enters your property.
When monitoring your water meter, keep the following essentials in mind:
Ensure all your water faucets at home are turned off. You also need to make sure the washing machine and the dishwasher are not running.
Check your water meter and write down or take a mental note of the numbers. Come back again in an hour (or two) and recheck the numbers. If there's a change in the numbers, you likely have a leak somewhere.
If you want to check the leak's location (indoors or outdoors), turn off the shut-off valve of your main water supply. You can often find the shut-off valve in the basement or utility room.
Recheck your water meter and remember the numbers. If there is no change when you check an hour after, the leak is inside your home. If there is a change in the numbers, the leak is most likely within the waterline.
Dye test your toilet
Toilets can also be possible sources of internal leaks. Eventually, your toilet's flapper can become brittle. This can cause the water from the tank to trickle into the bowl. To dye test your toilet, use food coloring.
Put a few drops of food coloring in all the tanks of your toilets at home. If your bathroom has a leak, the color will appear in your bowl in a few minutes. As soon as you can confirm the toilet link, it is recommended that you have a plumber replace your flapper.
Check for other signs of possible leaks
Even if you don't have any leaks when you last checked, leaks can occur when you least expect them. The following red flags can be indicative of a possible leak:
Musty smell. If you have a persistent but undetected leak at home, it can provide the consummate environment where mold can grow. Often, mold thrives inside the walls, so it's not always easy to spot. However, the musty smell should tell you something is up that needs further investigation.
Bubbling paint or bulging wallpaper. Bubbling paint and bulging wallpaper are two classic signs that indicate your wallboard is wet. Also, a bulge in your wallpaper can be a sign of extensive water damage. You might also need to replace your wallboard.
Wall discoloration. Water discoloration can be a sign that there is a water leak from behind your drywall or the front side. Water stains on the walls and ceilings can also appear. The stains are typically yellowish or brownish.
Final Thought
For many homeowners, detecting sneaky leaks can be very challenging. Fortunately, the methods laid out above can surely help. However, if you suspect a leak but can't find it, hiring a seasoned plumber is your best recourse.
