Water damage can wreck your home and cause costly repairs. Not to mention the safety hazards that come with it. Getting ahead of leaks is essential to prevent water damage from becoming an overwhelming problem. Luckily, early leak detection can help you tackle the issue before it gets out of hand.
We’ve gathered five practical and informative water leak detection and repair tips to save your home from an unexpected plumbing disaster. Take note of these tips to catch leaks before they damage your home;
- Examine the Hot Water Tank
As a homeowner, detecting a water leak early is essential to prevent water damage and save money. Many people overlook the hot water tank when detecting water leaks.
To examine the hot water tank, check the pressure relief valve. This valve can sometimes be difficult to detect inside a drain. Remove the drain pipe to find the leak if that’s the case.
But if the drainpipe is not accessible or easy to remove, look for a hissing sound. If you hear hissing noises, it indicates a leak. Don’t try to fix the problem yourself. Instead, call a professional plumber to handle the job.
Another way to detect a water leak in the hot water tank is by checking for water accumulation or moisture near the bottom of the tank. Additionally, you can assess the bottom of the discharge tube for moisture buildup, indicating a leaking pump or valve.
- Check Your Toilets
One of the most significant culprits for your home’s water waste might be hiding in plain sight: your toilet. Amazingly, your toilet could use water even when properly functioning. However, a leak in your toilet could make things even worse.
The first step to figuring out where the leak is coming from is to remove the lid from the tank behind your toilet. Don’t know what you need? Listen closely. Can you hear hissing? That’s a clear indication that your toilet is leaking.
But what if you don’t detect hissing? Add a few drops of red food colouring to your toilet tank and wait a few minutes. After that, peek at the bowl. If the water’s pink, bingo! You detected a leak. You’ll likely have a flapper issue that’s letting water escape. Check every toilet in your home to ensure there isn’t a leak hiding elsewhere.
- Do a Meter Line Check
Water leak detection and repair can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Not spotting a leak for a long time can cause significant damage to your home and raise your water bill considerably. This is where a water meter line check comes in handy.
It’s an easy and quick way to detect and fix leaks in your water line before they become a significant problem. However, most homeowners need to learn how to check the meter line. Here’s a guide to help you out.
- To begin with, locate the shut-off valve by the house and temporarily shut it off. Remove the meter lid and watch the dial.
- It’s essential to note that sometimes the meter is covered in dirt and debris, making it challenging to locate the lid.
- When that’s the case, brush off the dirt and debris to reveal the meter and lid. If the meter is still turning after shutting off the valve in the house. There’s a high chance that the leak is between the meter and the house or a leaking valve, which is standard for old bronze gate valves.
If you encounter a situation where the meter is still turning, the best way to detect where the leak is situated is by walking the length between the meter and the shutting-off valve. Check around for muddy or soft areas to identify the exact leak location. If you pinpoint a spot, it’s advisable to call a professional plumber to fix the leak since it indicates it’s inside the house.
- Check on the Hose Bibs Outside
Water leaks outside your home can damage your yard and outdoor structures. A simple and effective way to detect such leaks is by regularly checking the hose bibs outside your house.
Begin by locating the hose bibs on your house’s front and back. Ensure that these are the only two outside your home. Once identified, grab a screwdriver and put the metal part onto the metal section of the hose bib. Place your thumb’s knuckle at the screwdriver’s other end, placing your ear on your knuckle.
Doing this acts like a stethoscope. If there is any leak, it can be heard through this. Check all hose bibs outside the home for leaks.
Check for other Leak Points
Leaks are only found in prominent places. Other leak points can be found throughout your home and surrounding areas. Remember to check all showerheads for leaks. This can often be detected by noticing drips from them.
It’s essential to check all the taps in the bathtub, bathroom, kitchen, laundry room sinks, and more. If you suspect a leak is present but can’t see it, using the same screwdriver technique for the hose bibs outside can be extremely helpful.
Most often, a leaking faucet is caused by a worn-out rubber washer located under the handle. Replacing the rubber washer is easy if you have the right tools. However, consulting with a professional plumber is recommended if you need clarification.
Your swimming pool is another potential leak point. Check all garden hoses, taps, and drip irrigation systems. Detecting leaks early can save on water usage, costs and prevent further damage to your home. Regularly checking for these leak points gives you peace of mind and allows you to act promptly if repairs are required.
Get Rid of All Leaks Today
Water leak detection and repair can be frustrating and costly, but knowing the right preventative measures and repairs is only part of the battle. It’s also critical to remember that water can intrude in areas we would never expect, so it’s essential to be vigilant about checking for all sources of water infiltration.
Plus, although regular maintenance such as descaling and pipe cleaning is essential for ensuring proper water flow, it’s also key to continually monitor pipes and fixtures in your home or business for any signs of deterioration that might turn into costly repairs.
