Water leaks can waste significant amounts of water and damage walls, floors, and furniture, often hiding in places you can't see. There are several simple checks if you suspect a leak such as examining your water meter and looking for signs of damp spots or mold. However, some leaks can only be found by trained professionals.
Leaks can happen in many places around your home and knowing where to look, and what signs to watch for can help you spot problems early.
The first step is to check your water meter to find hidden leaks. Turn off the water in your house and if the meter continues to move when no water is running you have an issue. Use leak detectors near sinks and toilets which will sound an alarm when they sense water, alerting you to problems quickly.
For outdoor leaks, you can look at the supply line from your street to check for puddles or fast-growing grass which signifies excess water in an isolated area.
Toilets often leak silently and a clever detection method is to put food coloring in the tank and wait 15 minutes. If the color shows up in the bowl without flushing, your toilet has a leak. A running toilet can waste thousands of gallons and you may hear hissing sounds or constant running water even when it hasn’t been flushed.
Meanwhile, for faucets, look for drips or puddles around the base of the tap or underneath the sink itself, as even small drips waste a lot of water over time.
Watch for damp spots on walls, ceilings, or floors that could point to leaking pipes inside walls or under your home. Mold or mildew smells, peeling paint, or warped wood suggests hidden moisture. In basements, check corners and where floors meet walls for dampness.
Water leaks can cause serious problems for homes and wallets. If not fixed quickly, they can often lead to damage and higher bills.
Plumbing leaks can wreak havoc on your home and wet spots on walls or ceilings can grow and spread fast. Water damage can ruin floors, furniture, and personal items. It can also warp or rot wood, while carpets can get soaked and become a breeding ground for mold.
Mold can grow within 24-48 hours, potentially making you sick, and severe cases can be very difficult to get rid of.
Your water bill will go up if your home’s water supply is leaking as even small drips can waste lots of water over time. Fixing water damage is costly because you may need to replace drywall, flooring, or cabinets, while mold removal can be expensive too.
Your insurance may not cover all leak damages and you might have to cover some repairs yourself. This is why prevention and fixing problems early is vital to avoid a significant repair bill.
Repairing Leaks and Mitigation
Fixing water leaks quickly can save money and prevent damage whether this is simple DIY fixes or professional help.
For DIY fixes, start by turning off the water supply and tightening connections with a wrench. You can use Teflon tape on threaded joints to create a better seal. Replace worn washers in faucets or showerheads, and for pipes, you can use pipe clamps or epoxy putty as temporary fixes. However, be careful not to overtighten fittings which could cause more damage.
Next, check your water pressure as high pressure can strain pipes and fixtures. Install a pressure regulator if needed and replace old, corroded pipes when possible.
Aside from regular water pressure checks, tightening connections, and replacing washers, you can also prevent leaks by properly insulating your pipes to prevent them from freezing and bursting.
Clean drains regularly to prevent clogs as this can cause pressure buildup and lead to leaks. Consider using drain screens to catch hair and debris and avoid harsh chemical cleaners that can damage pipes.
You should replace old appliances and fixtures as newer models are often more efficient and less likely to leak. For peace of mind, you can also install water leak detectors near washing machines, water heaters, and sinks.
Some leaks require expert help and a professional plumber can handle complex repairs and replacements. They have specialized tools to find hidden leaks in walls or underground and can fix issues in main water lines, sewer pipes, and gas lines.
Professional plumbers can upgrade your plumbing system which might include installing new fixtures, replacing old pipes, or adding a water filtration system. They can also advise on the best materials and methods for your home for maximum durability.
Do not hesitate to get in touch with us if you are concerned that your home has a water leak. Our expert team can quickly assess the situation and fix the problem urgently.