Water leaks are as passive and boring as they look, but shouldn’t be disregarded. Even your kitchen sink water pounding every few seconds is a sign that something is wrong. The faster you react the better.
These issues don’t go away by themselves and the more you wait the more expensive it becomes every month. You also risk potential water damage that would require a pricey restoration, something you don’t need to spend money on.
I wanted to learn more on how to recognize a water leak in its inception so I discussed the matter with Risk Free Serv and here’s what they told me:
Water Meter
If you wake up one morning and suspect something is wrong and you might be dealing with a water leak, you should check your water meter. This is a basic check-up everyone can do, and it is a first step to discovering if something is not right.
What you need to do is shut off the main valve, and turn off all appliances that use water like washing machine or dishwasher. See if you can spot any change on the meter, be patient though, the leak might slow.
Check back again in a couple of hours and if you see something it is time to react. The best course of action is to contact a plumber.
Monthly Bill and Usage
Another useful approach to consider is to monitor your water usage and bills. If you think there’s a leak somewhere in your home you can take bills from the past 4-5 months and compare.
If you see a significant increase over a short period of time, and you are sure your water consumption hasn’t increased then you can proceed with the investigation. Also, you can check your consumption and apply the same logic.
This method is not 100% accurate but it is a good indicator. Many homeowners never bother to learn where their water pipes are, especially if they are not proficient. This is why you should contact a plumber if the numbers are not right. There are underground pipes you can’t reach, and you can never be sure that the leak is not coming from there.
Check Garden Hose
Leaks can also occur outside your home. A broken irrigation system can waste away a lot of water. It is recommended to call a professional to check it every now and then, especially at the start of every active season.
Exterior faucets are exposed to elements that shorten their lifespan, meaning that they are more susceptible to breaks and leaks. Big water puddles in your yard could mean that there’s a leak.
Food Coloring Trick
A failing toilet could waste a lot of water if it is broken. Put some food coloring in your toilet tank. If everything is ok the colored water should remain in the tank until you flush it. If you check after a few minutes and see the same water down in the bowl then you are dealing with a leak.
Regular Maintenance
Every home needs to be checked regularly to prevent any major breaks that are going to require expensive repairs.
It is always cheaper and easier to prevent or react if you notice something fishy. If you detect the smell of mold then it might mean that you have a leak somewhere because mold likes dark and humid areas.
Old homes with old plumbing are particularly risky, and even if everything is ok you should invest in a thorough inspection by a professional. An easy replacement today means saving a lot of money on repairs.
