When your home’s plumbing becomes outdated, there is always the risk of water leak. It not only causes water loss but also jeopardizes the structure’s stability. You have probable seen or heard of houses collapse once a cavity forms beneath them. This occurs when leaked water pulls the earth or the soil away from the house. It also has an effect on the structure’s foundation. As a result, you must understand how leak detection in homes works in order to assure structural stability and no water loss.
Given below are a few points that will help you with leak detection without the need to call a professional.
- Water Meter
A water meter helps keep track of household water consumption. The easiest way of leak detection is to check the reading on the water meter. First, turn off all the taps and ensure that there is no running water anywhere in the house. Make a note of the reading; leave it like that for a couple of hours. if you notice small changes in the reading that means there is small leak somewhere but if there is drastic increase in the reading number, it’s simple, it needs to be repaired right away. In case the reading does not change, you can be rest assured there is no leak.
- Check Your Water Bill
Another method for leak detection is to pull out the water bills for the past 6 months. Now, identify if you notice any sudden increase in the water bill. If you do, there is probably a water leak somewhere. However, you must also consider the seasonal variation in water requirement in water consumption before jumping to a conclusion. If you are certain there is a water leak, contact the nearest plumbing company to identify the leakage point and fix it.
- Check the Toilets
Most of the water leakage happens in the toilet. If the leakage were small and intermittent, you would not probably even notice it. The easiest way to find out if there is a leakage in the toilet tanks, add a few drops of color in all the toilet flush tanks in the house and wait for half an hour. Now, check each toilets and if you find color water in the toilet bowl or toilet floor, you have been successful in leak detection.
- Look for Wet Areas
A water leak behind or under the kitchen cabinet, sink, or washrooms cannot be easily detected due to a lack of clear view. However, there is a way you can proceed with the leak detection. Put a cloth in the places that are hard to see, leave the cloth for a couple of hours and check if it is wet. Whichever cloth is wet, that area has a leakage. In addition, if you notice water puddles in your back or front yard, there is a high possibility of underground water leakage.
Conclusion
A water leak that is detected early on might save you money and prevent disaster. Here are several indicators that you may have a leak and should seek water leak repair services from a plumber. Make it a habit to inspect the backs of cabinets and behind sinks for any signs of mould or foul odours that could signal a leak. Examine any accessible connections at the water heater, pumps, washer hoses, and valves for oxidation or discoloration, which are telltale symptoms of a slow leak.
If you detect a leak in your plumbing system, contact a professional as soon as possible to have it repaired. Don’t wait till it becomes worse and you’re dealing with a big mess!
