Plumbing pipes are prone to get damaged over time. And leaking water can damage your property, furniture, and appliances. So, you should know how to detect a water leak in your house.
Little leaks can lead to big damage. But you can mitigate the risk by checking for potential leaks. The earlier you detect the problem, the lesser damage you’d suffer. Now, let’s review some helpful tips through which you can ensure your plumbing system is leak-free.
Compare Your Bill with Water Usage
Your water bill may increase if you start consuming more water. But there are times when the bill amount goes up despite no changes in your water habits. Hence, this may indicate your plumbing system isn’t in good condition.
To confirm your suspicions, your water meter can be of help. Turn all faucets and machines off with a water connection. Then monitor your meter. If numbers still go up, then you need to find the source of the water leak.
How to Detect a Water Leak: Inspect the Premises
Inspect the areas where water is present. This may take some time. But there’s no doubt it can save you major trouble. So, here are some problem areas that you should pay attention to:
- Under kitchen and bathroom sink
- Near dishwasher
- Look for water puddles directly under indoor pipes
- Near toilet and bathtub
- Hot water tanks
- Indoor and outdoor faucets
- Remove the toilet tank lid and listen for sounds
- Check under cabinets
- Don’t forget your laundry area and refrigerator
Foul smells coming from pipes can guide you in the right direction. If there is a water leak, you may notice cracks in the walls. Also, carefully check your basement since many water leaks start there. You can get your hands on a water leak detector for accurate results.
What to Do After Water Leak Detection?
Now you know how to detect a water leak. So, you should address the problem before it gets out of hand. You can repair the leak on your own if you’re good at the task. But it’s better to contact professional plumbers for safe water leak repairs.