Water leaks are inevitable. Almost every homeownerexperiences it at some point, and it is a problem that is likely to trouble you at the most unexpected time. Whether it is the “drip” sound that wakes you up in the middle of the night or a flooded kitchen over the weekend, resulting from a leaking dishwasher pipe, water leaks can be a disaster.
It may seem like a small droplet of water falling into a puddle but do you know that it is a huge cost that you can easily avoid? According to the Environmental Protection Agency, an average household in the U.S. wastes around 10,000 gallons of water every year due to leaks.
The cost of this water wasted is $150 for the household but a lot more for the environment. While it is almost impossible to avoid water leaks completely, there are ways to reduce the risk of damage to your property caused by leaks. Unfortunately, not all leaks come with the dripping sound. Some may be more obvious, under-the-kitchen-sink type of leaks but others can be much more subtle yet equally dangerous. And this is exactly why it is important to detect these leaks well in time.
In this post, you will find out how to detect water leaks along with some of the potential sites in your home where leaks are common.
How to Detect Water Leaks in Your Home?
Detecting water leaks early can save you a lot of cost and inconvenience. Here are four ways you can detect water leaks in your home.
Check Your Water Meter
Perhaps, the easiest way to figure out a water leak is to check your water meter. It is usually installed in the front of your home, but in colder regions, a water meter may be located inside the house. It shows the volume of water that is consumed in the house.
If you want to detect a water leak by checking your water meter, all you have to do is to turn off all faucets in your home. Also, disconnect the dishwasher and washing machine hose. Now take a look at the meter. Take the meter reading and wait for at least two hours. If the water meter is moving, this shows that there is a leakage in the house. While a meter will show you if there a leakage in the house, it will not identify the location of the leak.
Keep an Eye on Your Water Bills and Water Pressure
If you notice a sudden increase in your water bill without any significant change in water consumption, you are likely to have a leak in your water system. Always remember that your water bill should stay in a certain range, given that there is no major change in your household's water consumption patterns.
Moreover, keep a check on water pressure. A sudden decrease in water pressure may be an indication of leakage in your water system.
Check Household Exterior
Water leaks are a significant problem inside the home, but it is an equally important problem on the outside. Leaks can happen anywhere, so make sure you don't forget to check your exterior. Water leakage shows some apparent signs on the exterior so keep a check for puddles of water, leaking hose pipe or sprinkler and rubber hose gasket.
Be Proactive
if you are proactive, you resolve the problem as soon as possible and minimize the damage associated with water leaks. Make it is practice for regularly inspecting all plumbing fixtures for leaks. It is best to inspect cabinets under the sink, in the bathroom and areas around water heaters and washing machine. Mold growth and foul smell may also be an indication of a water leak. And you need to be more proactive, especially if your home is more than 20 years old.
Common Places for Water Leaks
Knowing some of the possible ways to detect water leaks may be essential, but it is also important to know some of the common sites that are prone to water leakages. If you suspect a leakage, it is a good idea to check some of the common areas in the house.
Water Tank
A water tank is one of the lesser-known culprits of water leaks in the house but shows obvious signs of leakage. You can check the valves of the tank and should be able to identify a leak. If you don't see water leaking through the valves, look for more subtle signs such as watermarks on the floor or a hissing sound.
Toilets
Toilets are one of the most common sites in the house for water leaks. An average leaky toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water every day and if you think that’s not a problem, think again. It means 4,800 gallons of water per month and around 58,000 gallons per annum.
So a leaky toilet should not be left unattended for long, and it is best to call a professional as soon as possible so you can save cost and inconvenience.
Showerheads
Just like toilets, showerheads are another significant part of the plumbing system where you can find leaks. Low water pressure is an indication of a water leak in the plumbing system, but you will notice a further decrease in pressure if you have a leaking showerhead.
Appliances That Work With Water
It is best to check for connections of appliances, such as a washing machine and dishwasher. Loose valves and pipes may lead to leaks, so it makes sense if you check them before you call a professional plumber to resolve your issue.
Outside the House
Water leaks can happen both inside and outside the home so make sure you keep a check at your yard, in the garden and under the concrete as well. But we recommend calling a professional plumber because detecting leaks outside the house may involve digging in your garden or breaking under your concrete.
Call a Professional Plumber
If you are not sure how to inspect for water leakages, it is best to call a professional plumber for regular inspection. And if you suspect a leak anywhere in your house, do not wait until the problem intensifies and cost you a lot of damage.
Calling a professional plumber is always the best option because they use specialized leak detection techniques that can help you identify water leaks in your home without digging through your garden, walls and floor. For the best plumbing services in Arizona, contact Mesa Plumbing now!