The Methods Of Leak Detection For Your Home

If you’re renting an apartment or own a home, water problems are issues you’ll have to deal with. One way of preventing water from damaging your property is detecting water leaks early enough. But this is not always easy because the pipes and all the plumbing work are buried underground. Despite this, there’re still telltale signs that things aren’t normal in your home.

Below are some methods you can use to detect leaks in your home before they become catastrophic. Let’s have a look at these signs of leaks.

Hiked Monthly Water Bills

So your water bills are hiked all over a sudden, and your water use hasn’t changed? There must be a problem somewhere, and that can be none other than a leaking pipe. According to the Environmental Agency, a family of four should use around 12000 gallons of water per month. This amount can rise during summer when you have to water your garden.

You can calculate the amount you use every month with the number of the family you have. If the amount appears, then check the pipes. Experts say that even a drip in your faucet can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water per year. If you suspect that things aren’t okay based on your water bills, consult experts from California leak detection companies.

A Drop In Pressure

When you’re filling a bathtub, but the water seems to take longer than usual to fill up the tub, there’s a problem. Or when you’re in the shower and water seems to pour on your skin at a very slow rate that you have to wait longer, your pipes are probably leaking.

The best way to find out the cause of the problem is to turn off your fixtures then turn them back on. If the pressure increases then gradually reduce, a leaking pipe can be the problem. You can call experts to check for any leaks around your home. You can also find out with the neighbors if they’re receiving enough water pressure. Sometimes the problem can be at the municipality water pipes.

Excessive Moisture

When humidity levels in your house suddenly rise, you should check the pipes for water leakage. You don’t have to experience a huge water leak to detect increased moisture levels. Even a standing puddle of water is enough to cause moisture buildup in the house.

Check the lowest parts of your house to find out if there are any problems. The basement can be the perfect place to check as it’s more exposed to constant water leaks. Try to hear if there are sounds of running water. Remember, buying dehumidifiers and air conditioners will not solve the problem if you don’t take care of the leaks.

Check For Leaking Clues

Some pipe leaks are so obvious that you’ll detect them as soon as they occur. For instance, if a pipe under your sink breaks and sprays of water start flushing out, you don’t need an expert to tell you that it’s a leak. While others might not be as obvious as water spraying out, there are still some signs that alert you of a leak somewhere.

Something like a wall discoloration in a place that’s regularly dry is not a good sign. Also, check for stains on the ceiling and yellowish or brownish colors on the walls. Another sign is bubbling paint, which is an obvious indication of wet wallboard. A musty smell in enclosed areas can also be a sign of a water leak, which might have started inviting mold and mildew.

Check The Water Meter

The first thing you should do when you move into a new home is to know your water meter location. To check the water meter, switch off all the taps and check if the meter is running. When it’s moving, and no water is flowing in your home, there must be a leaking pipe somewhere.

Once you know that there’s indeed a leak, the next step is to find out whether the leak is inside the house or outside. Shut off the water valve inside the house. If the meter stops moving, then the leak is inside the house. If it still moves, then you have an outdoor water leak. You might not pinpoint the exact location of the leak even when you’re sure that there’s one. Call a plumber to check and fix the problem as soon as possible.

Do A Dye Test In The Toilet

The toilet is a common spot for interior water leaks. Sometimes the flapper might be old, allowing water to trickle into the bowl. To do the dye test, take a bottle of food coloring and put a few drops in the toilet tank. For a leaking toilet, you’ll see a color change in a few minutes. Replace the flapper immediately.

Use A Water Leak Detection System

Avoid any guesswork, you can consider purchasing a water leak detection system. There are many such devices in the market that will sense the presence of water and alert you. Some of these devices come with more advanced features to detect a leak and interrupt the flow of water before it can cause any damages.

Such devices are fully programmable in that they work well for most properties and will not interfere with your normal water use. The water leak detection system is accurate and efficient in detecting a leak at home.

Detecting leaks in your home is the first step to solving the problem and keeping your entire family safe. You need to identify and solve any leak problems as soon as possible so you can protect your home from water damage, which can be too costly and dangerous.

While some leaks only require you to have simple DIY skills, others need professional help so you don’t worsen the situation. Always have contacts of California leak detection companies to help you out whenever you suspect a leak or any other plumbing issue.