How to Detect Hidden Water Leaks

When a pipe bursts and floods your home, or a faucet drips incessantly, you know you have a water leak. Some leaks, though, are less obvious. You might not even know you leak at all until you notice water stains on the ceilings, walls, or floors. On the other hand, you might not even see anything that obvious, but your water bill may suddenly be unreasonably high. How do you find the source of these problems when you are dealing with a hidden water leak?

Warning Signs of Hidden Water Leaks

If you have a hidden water leak, you may notice some tell-tale signs. As mentioned, there could be water stains on your ceilings, walls, or floors. There may also be signs of old or mildew in your house, or a texture change in the ceiling or wall. Sometimes, the signs are subtler. If your water bill is unusually high, that could mean that water is leaking somewhere. If you start to notice a musty smell or you hear water dripping somewhere, you probably need to start looking for a leak. To verify that there is a leak, turn off all the water in your home and observe your water meter. If the meter is moving despite the faucets all being turned off, there is a water leak. Even if it’s not moving, you can leave the water off for a few hours and then check the meter again. A significant change means the water is leaking slowly.

Practical Methods to Detect Water Leaking

When you suspect you have a hidden leak, how do you go about finding it? After you have done the water meter test, begin doing some sleuthing to determine where the water is leaking.

• Toilets are often the cause of the problem, and there is a simple test you can do to find out if one of your toilets is the culprit. Just add a few drops of food coloring to the tank above the toilet, and don’t flush. After a few minutes, come and check the toilet water. If there is color in the toilet bowl, it means water is leaking between the tank and the toilet. Inspect the area around the toilet, as well as the ceiling beneath it, to determine which pipe is causing the problem. 
• The next step is to inspect your appliances and fixtures. Check your water heater, particularly where the water enters and exits the tank. These parts of the heater are under a great deal of pressure, and if there is not a sufficient seal, they could begin to leak. The pressure relief valve, close to the tank, and the drain valve at the bottom are also potential spots for leaks. When your valves get old and worn, they should be replaced. In addition to the water heater, check the water connections and drains of your washing machine and dishwasher, as these can also leak.
• Look to your exterior water usage. If one patch of your yard is looking unusually lush, this could indicate a leaking pipe beneath it. Your exterior faucets can also leak, and you might not notice it. Check them by connecting a garden hose and seeing if the water seeps through the connection while the hose is running. If it does, you may need to replace the rubber gasket in the hose and make sure it’s connected correctly.

Importance of Early Plumbing Leak Detection

Why is it so important to detect leaks early? As with most issues in life, leaks get worse if they are not caught when they first start. By staying on top of leaks, you can prevent major issues that result in costly repairs. You can also keep your living environment safe and comfortable, and reduce the risk of flooding, mold growth, and damage to your belongings, as well as structural damage to your home itself.

Tips to Prevent Water Damage in Your Home

One way to find and fix leaks before they become major issues is to install a water leak detector. By detecting the presence of water, these helpful tools can prevent flooding or even excess moisture or high humidity. When there is a situation that could be the result of a leak, the water leak detector sensors set off an alarm or trigger to alert you, and some systems can even automatically shut off valves. It is also wise to have regular inspections by a professional plumber to catch any leaks or other problems early.

When to Call Professionals

If you have a leak can you fix it yourself? If it’s something simple, like a leaky faucet, a DIY job may be appropriate. If the leak is complex, it’s better to call in an expert to help. Of course, if you are in an emergency plumbing situation, it’s always best to call in plumbing professionals who know what they are doing and can fix your problem.

Contact Sewer and Drain Champion to Repair Leaks

If you have a water leak or any other plumbing issues, and you live in the Sacramento area, Sewer and Drain Champion can help. Our local, family-owned plumbing company has been serving the community for nearly a decade, providing 24/7 plumbing services for residential and commercial customers. When dealing with something as important as plumbing, it is important to rely on the skills of a professional to prevent property damage and even injuries.

DIY plumbing mishaps can make problems worse, but our experienced team is knowledgeable, experienced, and equipped to handle your biggest sewer and drain challenges. We are a full-service company, and as a locally owned company, we are proud to be a part of the Sacramento community. Deeply invested in our community, we provide free estimates for all services and always give our customers fair, upfront pricing. When you need fast, friendly, reliable sewer and drain solutions, contact us through our website or fill out an online form to schedule an appointment.