Believe it, or not, 10,000 gallons of water are lost every year to household leaks. Some homes even waste up to 90 gallons a day. Leaks are potentially costing you hundreds of dollars.
If you want to fix your leaky pipes and save money and water, you first have to locate the leak. Water leak detection can be tricky. Continue reading below to learn how to find a plumbing leak.
Inspect Your Home
When it comes to detecting water leaks, start with the basics. Look under appliances, around showers and tubs, and under sinks. Common signs of a leak include wall discoloration, bubbled paint or wallpaper, or a musty smell. If you discover any of the above while inspecting your home, it’s likely you have a leak.
Dye Test Your Toilet
You should be suspicious of your toilets. They are prone to leaks specifically, the flapper. The toilet flapper is the rubber stopper that keeps water out of the bowl until you flush. These pieces of rubber deteriorate over time and may be leaking.
To test for toilet leaks, put a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If the flapper is defective, you will see colored water in the bowl. Unless you have the tools and know-how to fix such a leak, call your plumber.
Look for Greener Patches of Grass
Have you noticed a patch of grass that grows faster than the rest of the lawn? Maybe there is an especially green bit of grass. This grass is getting more water and indicates an underground line is leaking. This will likely require professional attention.
Monitor the Water Bill
Your water bill can provide information regarding leaks. Hopefully, you have an idea of what your monthly bill usually is. If you see sudden changes in your water bill, you may have a new leak.
Check Your Water Meter
Your water meter is another place to check for leaks. First, locate your water meter. It’s probably near the house where the water supply lines enter. Then turn off all the faucets in the house, including any appliances that use water.
Watch the meter. If you see immediate movement, there is probably a fast or big leak somewhere. If you don’t see movement, wait a few hours and check again. A slow or small leak will take time to move the meter.
Professional Water Leak Detection
Running around after your water meter and dying your toilet water is a lot of hassle. Even if you see water collecting by a tub or shower, the leak may be elsewhere.
If you think you have a leak here at Drain Masters Plumbing Company, we have all the necessary water leak detection equipment. They use electronic leak detection for finding underground leaks. Then repair the leaks with reroutes to avoid property damage.
Call us today for hassle-free water leak detection and repair.