Tracing a water leak early on is crucial to avoid bursts pipes, water damage, and mold in your home. Nearly 37 percent of US homeowners claim insurance for water damage, and the average cost of repairs for each incident is $14,000.
With most of your plumbing behind walls, it can be difficult to uncover the exact location of a leak. However, there are some tips you can use to narrow down the source before seeking professional help.
Let’s go over each.
Watch out for warning signs
Before you see the actual leak, it’s much more likely that you’ll come across warning signals around your home. These might include discolored walls, low water pressure, or a surprisingly high water bill.
As a homeowner, you should be aware of these symptoms as they are often indicators of larger plumbing problems in your house.
Test for leaks
There are two tests you can carry out to narrow down the source of the leak. This will help you arrange the necessary repairs.
1. Meter Check
Here are the steps you need to follow to conduct an accurate meter test:
- Turn of all faucets and any appliances that need water, such as dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters.
- Go outside and check your water meter and open the lid to check if the water meter is still spinning. Even a slight spin could indicate a leak in your home.
- Next, close your main shut-off valve and then recheck the water meter.
- If the water meter of your building is still spinning, then the problem is outside your house. If it stops spinning at this point, then the leak is inside your house.
2. Dye Test
Leaky toilets are common plumbing issues, and there’s a quick way to find out if your toilet isn’t functioning properly. Here’s what to do:
- Take some food dye and add the tablespoon to the tank.
- Don’t flush—wait about 10-15 minutes to see if the color of the water in the bowl has changed.
- If it does, you have a leaking tank that needs to be fixed.
Conduct an inspection
A visual inspection can help you uncover more about your mystery leak. Check the faucets in your home to see if they’re dripping even when closed. Check under the sinks and around water appliances to see if there’s any standing water. Additionally, cracks in your slab could also indicate a water leak.
Locating the mystery leak
If you don’t find a leak but still suspect some problem with your plumbing, it’s best to call experienced plumbers who can carry out a thorough inspection. If you do find a water leak, it’s crucial to get repairs done as quickly as possible.
Pro Serve Plumbing offers affordable water leak repair services to clients in Fort Worth, Texas. We continue to provide emergency 24/7 plumbing services to clients while maintaining the highest standards of safety and excellence.
Call 1-817-244-0614 now to talk to our water leak repair experts.
