19 Oct 6 Pivotal Ways To Discover Hidden Unknown Water Leaks
A water leak can be detected early and saved money. These are the signs you should look out for to determine if there is a water leak.
Check your water meters
Checking the water meter is one of the best ways you can tell if there’s a leak in your plumbing. First, turn off the water supply to your home. Turn off all water faucets and ensure that the washing machine and dishwasher are turned off. Next, check the meter to see if it changes. You may have a fast-moving water leak.
If the meter does not change immediately, wait for two hours before checking it again. It could be a slow leak if the meter does not change despite water being off. It could be located anywhere beyond the meter or underground. All piping that runs after the meter is the homeowner’s responsibility.
Take a look at your usage
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, you should check your winter water consumption to determine if there is a leak in your home. A serious problem in your plumbing system could be found if a family of four uses more than 12,000 gallons per month.
Track your bill
A leak could be the reason your water bill keeps rising, but your water usage habits have not changed. Compare the bills for the last few months to determine if there has been an increase in your bill. Your water bill should be within the same range from month to month.
Keep in mind that underground pipes might be part of your system. Although you may not be able to see leaks in this area of your system, they will still be there and you will pay for them. A professional Long Beach Water Damage Expert should inspect all pipes. Professional attention is needed if there is a warm spot in the floor (with under slab pipe) and if water runs.
Get some food coloring
Your toilets could account for as much as 30% of your water consumption, so make sure you check that they are working properly. Add a few drops food coloring to the tank of your toilet and let it sit for 10 minutes. If you see the color in your bowl, it is likely that there is a leak. This allows water to flow from your tank to your drain without having to flush the bowl.
Check exterior usage
Leaks can occur anywhere, not just inside your home. Attach a gardenhose to your outside spigots. If water seeps through the connection during hose running, replace rubber hose gasket.
If you have an irrigation system, consider calling a professional Long Beach Water Damage Expert s to inspect it once a year. Even a tiny leak can cause your irrigation system to waste 6,300 gallons per month.
Use common sense
Regularly inspect the under basins and backs of cabinets for signs of mold. This could help you save thousands on repairs. To check for potential problems or leaks, consider having a professional plumber conduct an annual inspection of your home.
If your home is older than 25 years, be especially careful. Your plumbing system could be at the end of its useful life. For signs of a slow leak, inspect all connections to the water heater, pumps and washing machine hoses.
Call a professional Long Beach Water Damage Expert if you suspect that there is a leak in your plumbing system. Do not wait for it to get worse. You could end up with a huge mess!