If you are a homeowner, you should know that water-hidden leaks can turn into real nightmares if they are not detected, prevented, or repaired in time.
A hidden water leak or small drip seemingly harmless can turn into significant problems related to dampness, fungus, and hygiene, compromising tenants’ health not to mention the cost of repairing the damage.
Whether a storm, fire, damaged pipe, or just wear and tear, sooner than later, every homeowner needs to deal with this kind of issue.
If you notice a higher water bill, but your water usage hasn’t increased, it’s a good sign that there may be a leak.
10 Tips to Find Hidden Water Leaks
1. Check the Water Meter
Keep a close eye on the water meter to see if it there are any large fluctuations. Turn off all water outlets inside and outside the property and observe if the meter’s still moving. If you notice any movement in the needle, it may be a sign of a water leak.
Depending on the type of meter, you can implement other types of leak tests, such as taking readings at certain time intervals.
2. Perform a Visual Inspection
Take a closer look at the walls and ceilings in each room. If you notice unusual staining or discoloration, you may have a hidden leak.
Be on the lookout for mold or strange dips and bowing the ceiling or walls. The leading cause of mold growth in homes is usually water damage. If you find mold in your bathroom, kitchen, or basement, there is a higher chance of a water leak. Water damage will cause the material to stretch and eventually collapse. A leaky or burst pipe is something you need to fix ASAP.
3. Perform an Odor Inspection
Strange odors on the property? You may not see or feel it, but mold or bacteria in standing water will release an unpleasant odor, which may be the main clue that you may have a hidden leak in your pipes.
4. Examine the Faucets
One of the biggest sources of leaks comes from taps. A worn rubber washer is usually the culprit and can be found underneath the handle. Keeping an eye on these things can help you save money on expensive repairs or replacements.
5. Check the Toilets
The toilet is another common culprit for water leaks and can often go unnoticed. Since toilets use about a third of the water in most homes, it is essential to know it is running correctly.
To check for water leaks in your toilet, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the tank. Let the coloring saturate the water and wait about 20 minutes without flushing. If any color has transferred from the tank and into the toilet bowl, you may possibly have a leak.
6. Check the showerhead
A leaking shower head can be costly and annoying. Check the shower drain as well, sometimes the seal may be cracked or missing.
Checking to see if, all bathroom plumbing works correctly. Faucets, showerheads, and the hot/cold temperature assembly should not be loose or leaky.
7. Be Aware of Underground Water Leaks
If one area of your yard appears softer than others or you notice dark spots, this could be cause for concern. If a particular location around your home seems to remain damp, this is may be cause for concern.
Pooling water that looks out of place can indicate an underground leak too. If you suspect an underground leak, call your local water or utility company as soon as possible.
8.Take a look outside
Take a walk around your house to see if your garden hose valve is working correctly. Take a closer look at the functionality of your hoses, sprinkler systems, and fountains.
9. Inspect the Pressure Relief Valve on the Hot Water Tank
Sometimes these valves are plumbed directly into a drain and can leak without your knowledge. Inspect the drain tube to check for a leak, if you ever hear a hissing noise or see water, you may have a leak.
10. Check the Pool
Before looking for the leak in the Pool, be sure to check the entire area of the filtration system, including the pump, filter, heater, chlorinator, etc.
If you have an inground pool, leaks can also occur from cracks in the pool itself
Why are Professional Damage Restoration Services Important?
Now that you have tips on how to detect hidden water leaks, you can better stop them before they get out of hand. Regular monitoring of your faucets, toilets, and water meter are great preventative measures.
From a simple solution to a complex problem, finding water leaks quickly can be the difference between severe damage or a minor repair. However, when you cannot find the leak or a professional repair is required, it is recommended that you call in the experts. It is often the best option to make sure the leak is properly repaired.
For all your water damage services and other emergency restoration needs, call Insurance Repair Specialists
(954) 725-2895 now!
