Finding leaks at home can be tricky. You may see clear signs of a water leak such as a dripping faucet; however, some leaks are not easily detected. In this article, you’ll discover ways to detect different water leaks in your home.
Finding water leaks without a water meter
Some water leaks can be detected even without the use of a water meter. Here are some signs that your home may have a water leak.
- Moisture under your sink. Use a flashlight and see if moisture is present under your sink. If present, you may see other signs of a water leak such as mould, water stains, or peeling material. In some cases, you may also see water at the bottom of the cabinet.
- Mould and loose flooring around your bathtub. Bathtub leaks can be hard to find, but one clear sign is your flooring such as tiles becoming loose. I. If you have vinyl flooring, water leaks can make the vinyl curl. You will also notice mould under your bathtub if a water leak is present.
- Damp spots and water puddles on the ground. Finding water leaks outdoors can be very difficult because the water pipes are buried underground. However, you may find some indications of a leak outdoors such as damp spots and water puddles even if it did not rain.
- Healthier patches of grass. Another way of checking whether your underground pipes are leaking is by observing the grass. Since water provides nourishment to plants, a water leak will make a patch of grass healthier than that surrounding it. Check your lawn and see whether any patch of grass looks different from the others.
Finding water leaks with a water meter
Some leaks are undetectable by the methods mentioned above. To find these leaks, you can use your water meter. Here’s how.
- Turn off all taps in your home and any household items and appliances that use water. Some examples of these appliances are dishwashers and washing machines.
- Find your water meter and write down the numbers on the dials. These show how much water you’ve consumed until now.
- Do not use water for an hour or two.
- Check your water meter again to see if the numbers have changed. If so, then your home has a water leak.
You should remember that if the number changes, you should see how much has changed. The greater the change in numbers, the bigger the potential leak in your home.
How to fix a leak
Now that you know how to detect water leaks, it’s time to find out how to fix the leaks you’ve found. Some can be fixed without the help of a professional. These include the following:
- Dripping taps can be fixed by replacing the washer inside the fixture.
- Toilet leaks are often caused by the flapper valve. You can find a new one at most hardware stores.
However, some leaks will require a licensed plumber to repair. These include leaks in your pipes and even water heaters. However, when asking for help, ensure anyone who works on your pipes is licenced for plumbing work. This way, you can be assured that the plumbing work done to your house is not faulty and will last a long time.
Conclusion
Water leaks can cause serious problems at home. Other than the increase in your water bill, these also pose some health concerns for your family due to mold. They also damage cupboards, flooring, plaster, paintwork and more. Some water leaks can be detected by their visible signs, and some require the help of your water meter. Some leaks can also be DIYed, while many require the help of a professional. Nevertheless, it is necessary that all leaks be found and fixed.
