Water leaks can seem trivial in the greater scheme of plumbing issues you experience in your home. However, the fact is that even a tiny water leak can cause significant damage if it goes undetected and isn’t promptly fixed. Water leaks can cause serious foundational damage, mould growth and other serious problems.
To help you avoid these issues – and the frustrations and expenses that come with them – here’s what you need to know about pinpointing small water leaks in your home.
How Do I Know If I Have A Water Leak?
If you suspect that you have a water leak in your home, but aren’t completely certain about it, follow these steps to find out if you have a water leak in your property:
1). Switch off the main water supply to your home: Basically, stop using any water in your home and turn off water-dependent appliances like washing machines and dishwashers.
2). Find your water meter: If you don’t know where your water is located, contact a professional plumber as soon as possible.
3). Check the meter once: Takedown the current reading on the meter.
4). Wait for 1 to 2 hours: Don’t use any water during this period to get a proper reading.
5). Check the meter again: If the meter reading has changed, then you most likely are dealing with a water leak.
Where is Water Leaking In My Home?
Once you are certain that you have a water leak in your home, follow these steps to establish if the leak is outside or inside your home:
1). Switch off the water supply to your home via the main valve: The main water valve is typically located outside your house (at the outdoor faucet) or in your garage or basement.
2). Check the water meter: If the meter continues to move after you’ve switched off the water supply to your house, you may have a leak somewhere outside your home. Some common places outdoor water leaks occur include service lines and sprinkler systems. If the water meter does NOT move after switching off the water supply at the main valve, the water leak is most likely inside your house.
3). Check your outdoor plumbing fixtures: If you have an outdoor water leak, check your sprinkler system for damaged sprinkler heads, broken tubing or other problems. Also, check other outdoor plumbing fixtures like outdoor taps. While the site of leakage may not be immediately obvious, especially if it’s an underground leak, this inspection can help you determine approximately where the leak is coming from.
4). Look for signs of leaks inside your house: If all indicators point to a leak inside your house, begin searching around your house for warning signs like mould, water damage and mildew smells. Check around the flooring, behind cabinets and under carpets or rugs. Check for toilet leaks by placing a few drops of ink in the tank and checking the bowl every 30 minutes to see if the water in the toilet bowl has changed.
Also, consider reducing your water pressure because high water pressure can cause tiny leaks in your plumbing systems.
What Should I Do Next?
Regardless of whether you find the source of the water leak, it’s always important to keep close tabs on your water consumption in order to identify any potential water leaks in your property early. As already mentioned, even the tiniest of leaks can cause serious damage to your property in the long run.
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.
