How Can I Check If I Have A Leak?

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Our homes rely on water for various reasons – as long as they are contained inside the pipe, tub, sink, or appliances such as dishwasher. However, water can pose a threat if it starts to goes where it should not potentially damage the furniture, appliances, and even the structure of your house.

A plumbing leak is, unfortunately, quite common, even in newer homes. Every house will suffer from leaks at least once. However, not all leaks are obvious, and it is critical to catch those leaks and get them repaired as soon as possible. Every homeowner needs to know how to check for water leaks. Read to know how to identify if there is a leak around the house so you can get it fixed.

HOW TO FIND A WATER LEAK IN THE HOUSE?

You can check for a water leak in the house in the following ways –

  • Monitor Your Water Bill – Water bills are quite predictable, but if you receive an unusually high bill that you cannot count for, it could be a sign of a leak. Sign up for an online account with your water supplier so you can keep an eye on your water usage.
  • Watch the Water Meter – Turn off all the faucets and ensure all appliances that use water are not running. If the water meter continues to change, there is likely a leak somewhere around the house.
  • Drop-in Water Pressure – Noticing a drop in water pressure when you take a shower or fill your tub, it could be a sign of a leak. You can check it by turning off all the fixtures and turning one on. If the pressure is higher than it was before, it is probably a leak.
  • Bad Odor – Check for pools of water or damp patches on the floor as it might be a leak behind the walls. Since underground leaks take much longer to come through that can lead to molds and mildew, you will get a distinctive odor which is usually a giveaway.

COMMON PLACES FOR WATER LEAKS

If you think you have a leak but have no way to tell where, here are some of the common places around the house where it’s worth checking –

  • Toilets – When the toilet flapper gets worn out, it can cause the toilet to run and waste a lot of water. If you notice the tank filling long after your toilet is flushed, chances are you have a leaky toilet.
  • Water Heater – Check all connections to the water heater to ensure there are no leaks, and it should not be rusted and leaking inside the unit itself. Check for water stains on the side of the unit or pooling at the bottom.
  • Faucets & Showers – Leaky faucets and showers can waste a lot of money, so ensure you check the faucets, the nobs, and everything around it.
  • Water Spigots – Check the spigot handle and nozzle for any water leaks or dripping. If the rubber gasket gets worn out, chances are there will be water leaks outside spigots.

Now that you know where to look for leaks inside your house, but what about on the outside?

HOW TO LOOK FOR WATER LEAKS OUTSIDE OR IN THE GARDEN?

If you cannot find any signs of water leaks inside the house, it might be worth checking on the outside or underground. Firstly, turn off the stop tap so water does not go inside your home. Once you have done that, check the meter, and if it is still moving, the leak might be on the supply line. If it isn’t moving, the leak is inside your home.

Once you have determined that the leak is on the outside, look for signs such as muddy patches around the pipe or grass that grows much better than other parts of the yard. Sometimes, you may need to call a plumber to dig the lawn up to check how bad the leak might be and then fix it properly.

WHAT TO DO IF THERE IS, IN FACT, A LEAK?

If you do find a leak, the first thing you need to determine how serious they are. If they are getting worse quickly and are causing extensive damage, it is best to contact a plumber immediately to resolve the problem quickly. However, if the leak is small and easy to fix, you need to turn off the water at the stop tap while you get the supplies to fix it.

If you’d like to learn more about how to unclog a toilet.

Click here, if you’d like to learn more about general plumbing services.If you’d like to learn more about Workhouse Plumbing, click here.

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