Signs of water leaks include the presence of stains on walls or ceilings, dripping noises, and issues with mold and mildew – all of which could point to leaks in your home, which can be big problems later on, and finding an early solution could save you the dreaded headaches.
Catching and repairing leaks while they’re small will keep you from spending money on a big fix down the road. Here are some simple to follow tips to make that happen.
Turn off the Water
If a leak goes undetected, it can wreak havoc in a short time period. To cap a leak quickly, turn your water supply off. Typically, there is a main shut off valve near the exterior faucet in the basement or garage of your home. Turn off the valve and head back inside. Begin collecting any dripping water with towels or buckets, and then keep an eye on your water meter. If you have unexplained spikes in use, it might be a sign of a leak. After reading your water meter, immediately shut off all faucets, appliances and sprinklers. Then, check the flow indicator again. If the red triangular indicator continues to move even after all water has been cut off, you may have a plumbing leak between your house and your main. Anyone can check your water meter, and catching an invisible leak early is a great way to save money! Billing costs add up, so by checking regularly, you ensure that your next bill is as low as possible. Additionally, catching leaks early on will dampen (pun intended!) mold growth that could affect your family’s health.
Listen
When water leaks out of a pipe, it often makes a noise that we can hear. A dripping sound tells us that a pipe is leaking somewhere nearby; the longer it is left alone, the more damage it can do. If we listen hard enough for a persistent sound of running water, we might just be able to trace its source: the basement is a good place to look for these sonic signs, followed by the utility room. Touch is also a helpful way to detect hidden leaks: check the walls around sinks and appliances for abnormally damp or cool spots that might indicate there’s a leak currently running somewhere behind the wall. Unusual mold or mildew growth can also indicate a concealed leak, while microorganisms in the water that contains waterborne microbes can also pose a potential health hazard. Employing early leak detection methods may save you money on your water bill, while water, our most valuable resource, will remain safe!
Look
Leaks also increase the cost of your water account – and give rise to wasted water, damaged building materials, mildew growth and, if hidden behind walls or ceilings, the production of mould. Leaks might go undetected. When water coursing down from a pipe or collecting on the floor, these are clear signs to look nearby for an undetected leak. But other signs, such as suspiciously high water bills, spitting pipes, damp patches and musty smells, can be the very first signs that something is amiss – and they can be looking you in the face for much longer. If you think your home might have a leak, shut off all water-using fixtures (not your main meter), and locate your shut-off valve inside. Shut off all water use (not your main meter), then locate your shut-off valve. Find your shut-off valve after shutting off all water use (not your main meter). Read your meter again while everyone is out of the house; if the numbers on your meter have changed, that suggests somewhere in your system there’s an leak.
Inspect
Such leaks can cause significant structural as well as water damage and, of course, leads to mould that can seriously affect your family’s wellbeing. Yet the good news is that leakage usually comes with early warning signs: signs such as a discoloured patch on the ceiling or wall – perhaps a mildewed patch on the wall; the visible growth of a damp spot on a floor; a damp, musty smell like mildew; a discoloured patch on the ceiling or the wall; or a ticking water meter: all signs that somewhere, connected to that system, something is dripping on the floor. A slow drip that you cannot see wastes money and can cause irrepairable damage to your home or business. With the easy steps enumerated above, leaks can be detected and repaired before they bring the plumbing in your home to the brink of disaster. Routine inspections and maintenance can also prevent leaks from alaker for the future. To know more about water leak detection and how to stop a leak in your water system before its too late, contact a plumber today.