5 Tips for Finding a Water Leak
Water leaks can cause serious damage to your home if they’re not detected and repaired in a timely manner. Luckily, there are reliable methods to find water leaks. In this article, we will discuss the top 5 ways to find water leaks in your home to help you take action before it’s too late.
Perform A Quick Water Meter Test
A water meter test is one of the most effective ways to tell if you have a water leak in your home. Turn off all the water in your home and make sure no water-using appliance is running. Read your water meter and wait for one hour, then check the water meter for changes. If it does change, you likely have a leak somewhere in your home.
Pay Close Attention to Your Water Bill
Your water bill can give you a hint about a possible water leak in your home. Your monthly water bill should stay consistent over time. If you notice your water bill is higher than normal and your water consumption habits haven’t changed, you may have a water leak.
Perform the Toilet Dye Test
Toilets are a common source of leaks, so it’s important to watch out for signs of toilet leaks. According to the EPA, toilets account for nearly 30% of the water usage in homes. A leaky toilet can waste nearly 200 gallons of water per day, which means it can waste a lot of money. To test for a leak within a toilet, try the food coloring trick. First, remove your tank lid and pour a few drops of food coloring into the tank. Then wait for 10 minutes to see if the color shows up in the bowl. If the food color shows up in the bowl, then you have a leak.
Look Out For Signs of Water Leaks
Another effective way to find leaks in your home is to look out for signs that indicate water leaks. Some of the telltale signs of water leaks include:
- Reduced water pressure
- Damp spots on walls, floors, and ceilings
- Bad odors or a musty smell in your house
- Visible mold and mildew on walls, floors, ceilings, or baseboards
- Peeling paint or blistering wallpaper
- Overgrowth in the lawn
- Foundation cracks
If you’ve noticed at least one of these signs, call in an experienced plumber as soon as possible to perform water leak detection and make repairs.
Check Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures
Most homeowners tend to look for leaks inside the house and forget about outdoor plumbing fixtures. It’s advisable to check hose bibs located outside, outdoor faucets, pipes, and irrigation systems for water leaks.
Suspect You May Have A Water Leak? Contact Sunshine Plumbers for Water Leak Detection and Leak Repair
Do not wait to call a nearby plumber if you suspect a water leak in your home. At Sunshine Plumbers, we provide expert water leak detection and leak repair services to both residential and commercial customers. We are equipped with state-of-the-art tools and advanced technology to find even the most difficult to detect water leaks.
