Your Quick Guide to Detecting a Leak in Your Home
Water leaks represent a silent danger for homeowners as they can often go unnoticed until it's too late. They catch people off guard and seep into the property, damaging it and increasing the water bill considerably.
Let's discuss how to detect a leak so that you can take the necessary steps to avoid water waste.
Inspect the water meter
A foolproof way of determining whether there's a leak is by inspecting the water meter. Homeowners should first turn off their water flow. Then, they'll need to power down their appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines, and ensure that you shut off the faucets.
The next step is watching the monitor and seeing if its reading will change. When the change is immediately noticeable, the leak may be severe. A minor plumbing issue takes more time to register, so the best practice is to wait two hours and recheck the device.
Check your water bill
A significant increase in the water bill may indicate a bigger problem. When homeowners try to make their homes water-efficient, a leak is frustrating because it strains the household budget. Keep track of your monthly water bill as a great preventative measure. It helps people become more aware of how their plumbing system works.
As soon as the bill increases, homeowners will suspect they're dealing with a leak that requires deeper investigation. An experienced plumbing team will quickly find all the hidden leaks that are easy to miss until they cause significant damage.
Check the water pressure
When it takes longer to fill up a bath, a leak might be taking water away from the fixtures, so the water pressure drops. A water pressure test is an excellent way of determining whether the plumbing system needs fixing. The simplest method is turning off all the fixtures then switching one back on. If the water flows more strongly, the pressure has increased, which indicates that the plumbing's not in good health.
A plumber will recommend the most effective solution if a problem is detected.
Examine the property
Appliances that constantly use water in specific parts of the home are the most common areas where leaks happen.
Check underneath and around the sinks, and be sure to inspect the P-trap and supply valves. Also, it's essential to see whether there's any damage at the bottom of the cabinet. Since toilets are susceptible to leaks, constant flushing or slow trickling means waste. Also, ensure that no water is dripping out of the showerheads once the water is turned off.
Homeowners should inspect dark and remote spaces for mold, a sure sign that a leak has gone undetected. Look for rotting wood and wet wall patches in the attic or basement. Additionally, ensure that the connectors leading the water supply to the garden house or shed are in good condition.
Get professional help to resolve your plumbing issues
Plumbing trouble can go on for a long time before homeowners become aware. What may look like a harmless leak can become a severe issue within the plumbing system. Even if you've never had to face water leaks, one is enough to damage your home and strain your wallet.
The best practice to protect the health of your pipes is to call a professional plumber as soon as you detect an issue. They will upgrade your system and recommend the best ways to improve its durability.
With over 25 years of experience, American Discount Plumbing has offered expert plumbing service and repair in Phoenix, Arizona, and surrounding cities at affordable rates for both residential and commercial properties. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured plumbing company offering 24-hour emergency service. We provide lasting general plumbing, water leak detection and repair, toilet repair, pipe repair, and water heater repair or replacement solutions. Call 602-883-2787 today!
