A plumbing leak can bring a lot of inconveniences at home; besides slowing down your routine, it can also lead to more serious water damage if not plugged promptly. But while some leaks can easily get your attention, some are just harder to detect, leading to severe consequences in the long run.
Thankfully, there are some effective tricks and measures you can do so you can locate the leak source, no matter how hidden they are. Here’s a guide from Jacob The Plumber that can make your hidden water leak detection more efficient and reliable.
Inspect Common Leak Areas
Narrow your search by first inspecting plumbing spots most vulnerable to leaks, like fixtures, fittings, and appliances. What you want to look for are visible water stains and water flow that can be subtle.
For toilets, performing a simple dye test can help pinpoint leaks. Do this easy yet effective trick by adding food dye in your toilet tank, then let it sit there for 30 minutes. If the color seeps into the bowl without flushing, there’s likely a leak in the toilet’s flush mechanism or tank. Dye can also be used to check for leaks around pool skimmers or spa jets.
Also, take a closer look at your faucets and showerheads for any signs of drips or moisture buildup. Peek under your sinks as well and see if there are any water stains or small puddles around the pipes. Don’t forget to inspect your dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators for leaking hoses or connections, too.
Listen For Unusual Sounds
Not all signs of leaks can be detected through the eyes; sometimes it’s the unusual plumbing noises that can give away a hidden leak. If you hear running or dripping water even when nothing is in use, it’s a strong sign of a leak in your plumbing fixtures. Hissing or bubbling noises can also signal a leaking pipe, especially if they’re coming from within walls or under the floor.
Smell For Mustiness
If your sense of sight or hearing can’t pinpoint a hidden leak, perhaps your sense of smell can help. Musty or moldy odors often point to hidden leaks, particularly in basements, crawlspaces, or behind walls. If you smell a hint of septic odor around your house, it could be an underground sewer pipe letting wastewater out.
Look For Water Damage
Inspect areas where water damage may be visible, such as ceilings and walls. Stains, bubbling paint, or sagging drywall suggest leaks in pipes running within these areas. Likewise, warped or damp flooring, especially around bathtubs or toilets, may suggest a leak beneath the floor. Don’t overlook baseboards, too—water marks along these areas often signal water intrusion.
Check Your Water Meter
If you’re not confident in relying on your senses, there are some ways you can objectively pinpoint underlying leaks, like inspecting your water meter. You can be certain that your pipes are leaking if your water meter continues running with all the water sources shut tight.
Confirm your suspected leak by recording your initial water meter reading, then wait for a few hours. If the meter reading has changed when you check again, it suggests a leak somewhere in your plumbing system.
Test Your Water Pressure
Are you experiencing low or fluctuating water flow in one or two supply lines? There’s a high chance that a leak is bothering your water pressure. This happens when a potential crack or loose fitting in your water line lets the water escape, reducing the flow at the end of your faucet or showerhead.
Compare Your Water Bills
There’s no denying a leak when you have unusually high water bills despite having no increase in your water consumption for the month. This only means that water is being wasted somewhere in your pipes, causing your water meter to continuously run despite not turning on your fixtures. If it’s a steady increase in your water bill over the course of several months, it’s most likely a slow, hidden leak.
Use Leak Detection Equipment
If you’re still having trouble locating the source of the leak, consider using specialized leak detection equipment. Infrared cameras can help detect temperature differences behind walls or floors, which could point to moisture accumulation. Acoustic leak detectors can also help locate leaks by picking up the sound of water escaping from pipes, especially in walls or underground. Moisture meters are another tool that can assess the moisture levels behind surfaces.
These tools are what your local plumber usually relies on to find hard-to-detect leaks, but you can also buy them at your local hardware as they come in handy for personal water leak detection.
Looking for Fail-Proof Water Leak Detection? Call Jacob The Plumber for Expert Services
There’s no doubt that personal leak detection can save you on costly water leak repair by allowing you to schedule a timely plumbing service. But while you can detect leaks on your own, calling in a plumber offers more comprehensive diagnoses and solutions to locating and plugging your leaks more effectively.
At Jacob The Plumber, we provide quick water leak detection and repair services. Our team is equipped with complete tools that allow us to pinpoint any leak, whether deep within your walls or underground.
Don’t let your hidden leaks cause more plumbing troubles at home; call us for affordable, fast services!
