Have you noticed a substantial increase in your water utility bills? Does the quality of your water seem to have been compromised? If you have experienced any of these, then you might be experiencing a water leakage.
A water leakage can occur because of faulty pipes, leaky faucets, or harsh weather conditions that compromise the quality of your water pipes leading to the development of leaks. This issue is not isolated to old houses, which means you should always be on the lookout regardless of how new or old your house is.
Water leakages are expensive and can damage your home. Apart from wasting water, water leaks can cause irreversible damage to your house. If the leak remains undetected for extended periods of time, water can infiltrate your house by running through walls, floors, and the structure’s foundation. The structural integrity of your building could be affected, and it may be damaged permanently. What makes water leak detection difficult? Continue reading below to learn more!
What Causes Water Leakages to Remain Undetected?
There are certain factors that make it difficult to detect water leakages. It is therefore important to monitor your water system and when in doubt, request professional help from a qualified plumbing company. Here are some factors that might make it difficult to notice water leaks:
1). Current Water Usage
There are certain peak periods when you may be using the water more than usual, hence the water bill goes above the norm. You might assume that the increased water bill is due to the increased use of water. This would mean that a potential water leak that occurs within such a period can remain undetected and pass as an increased utilization of water.
2). Traffic and Environmental Noise
Water leakages are often associated with a dripping sound that can be heard. This may provide an idea of where the leak is emanating. However, due to environmental and traffic noise, the sound may go undetected. As a result, it will become difficult to detect the presence of a water leak.
3). Nature of the Structure and Pipe Layouts
In most buildings, plumbing infrastructure is located below ground. Naturally, this makes it difficult to detect water leakages unless the water reaches the surface. Worse yet, leaking water may take time to flow to the surface. By the time such a leak is detected, irreversible damage may have taken place.
Water leaks are serious threats to your home. They can result in structural damage, pavement buckling, sink-holes and ponding. Even when the leaked water reaches the surface, its exact point of origin may remain indeterminate.
What Are the Common Indicators Of A Water Leak?
There are common indicators that you should look out for if you suspect you have a water leak. You are likely to be experiencing a water leak if you notice the following warning signs:
- Bad odours in your drains.
- Contaminated (rusty or dirty) water supply.
- Drop in water volume and pressure.
- An upsurge in your water bill yet consumption has remained normal.
- The water meter running yet all plumbing fixtures are turned off.
- Damp spots on walls and floors.
- Cracks, potholes, or disfigured paint on walls.
- Pools of water on the ground.
- Growth of vegetation on landscape areas and lawns.
What Should You Do Once You Detect a Leak?
It is dangerous to ignore water leaks no matter how small they seem to be. This is because their effects may be far-reaching and hence more destructive and expensive in the long run. That said, it is important to deal with water leaks before they aggravate.
For that, Water Leak Detection is the go-to. Our costs of water leak detection and repair vary depending on the nature of the leak, its location, the detection equipment required, and the expected demolition works.
If you suspect you have a water leak, please call us at Water Leak Detection for a free consultation today on 1300 425 325 or leave an inquiry on our website.
