While some leaks are obvious, knowing how to check for water leaks can help homeowners detect hidden leaks sooner. Early detection can resolve leaks before they cause significant water damage.
The Homestar Group has offered a few tips on how you can check for a leak in your home.
How to Check for Water Leaks
Checking Your Water Meter
Looking at your water meter is one of the best ways to determine whether some part of your plumbing has a leak.
Start by turning off all the water in the home, shutting off the faucets, and ensuring the washing machine and dishwasher are not running. Afterward, check the water meter to detect any changes. If the meter changes immediately, that change signifies the presence of a fast-moving leak.
If there is no immediate change, don't rush to turn on the water. Leave it off for at least two hours, then recheck the meter. Doing so helps ensure that there are no slow-moving leaks.
Monitoring Your Water Bill
Another way to check for water leaks is to monitor the monthly water bill. Collect several bills from the past months, comparing them to check for a consistent increase. While bills will not be constant month after month, they should stay within the same range, especially if usage has not changed.
Has your water bill been rising consistently despite water usage remaining constant? You might be dealing with a leak.
Investigating Fixtures and Appliances
Investigating certain appliances and fixtures is another tip on how to check for water leaks.
Check the cabinets under the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry sinks to see whether they are dry. In addition, look for puddles of water around the bases of the shower, bathtub, and toilet. Lastly, check underneath the dishwasher, washing machine, and water heater.
If you find water in these areas, switch off the water supply to those fixtures or appliances. Then, contact a professional plumber.
Dry Testing the Toilet
Toilets can contribute to up to 30% of a home’s water use. Therefore, ensuring the toilet is running properly is an essential step of checking for water leaks.
When dry testing the toilet, take a bottle of food coloring and add a few drops to the toilet tank. Wait for about 10 minutes. If the food coloring appears in the toilet bowl, you have a leak that allows water to flow into the drain without you having to flush the toilet.
Assessing Your Home’s Exterior
Water leaks do not only occur inside the home. Homeowners should also pay attention to their home’s exterior.
For instance, if one area of the lawn has greener, faster-growing grass, you may have a leaking underground water line. In some cases, homeowners might even find puddles on the surface of their lawn.
Looking Out for Other Leaking Clues
Homeowners should look out for other leaking clues, including:
● Wall discoloration
● Bulging wallpaper
● Bubbling paint
● Musty smells
● Dripping sounds
What to Do When You Detect the Presence of a Leak
If after following the tips on how to check for water leaks, homeowners find a leak, they should call a professional water damage restoration company as soon as possible.
Fortunately, The Homestar Group has the expertise and experience needed to handle any leak. The company understands the importance of offering prompt and lasting solutions to minimize water damage.
According to Jeremy York, owner of The Homestar Group, "One way to avoid costly water damage is to detect a leak. We understand the importance of providing immediate and long-term solutions to minimize water damage."
Contact The Homestar Group at (678) 928-5377 or visit their website at https://www.homestargroup.net/ to learn more.
