6 Tips For Finding Leaks In Your
As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to care for your home, including your plumbing system. Never ignore minor issues as that might lead to a plumbing emergency. If you suspect there might be a problem, consider finding leaks in your plumbing.
In this article, we will discuss the different ways to determine if there is a leak somewhere. We’ll also discuss why it’s important to schedule regular plumbing inspections and provide tips to prevent plumbing leaks.
How to Detect Leaks in Your Plumbing:
1. Watch the Water Meter
If you suspect a leak in your plumbing, monitor your water meter, as that will tell you that there is a leak somewhere. First, turn off your washing machine, dishwasher, or any faucets running. Shut off your water to make sure no one can use it.
Check the water meter and take note of the figures you see. Wait for an hour and recheck the water meter. When the numbers are different, there is a leak somewhere.
While some leaks are obvious, there are plumbing leaks that are difficult to locate. You need leak detection services from a licensed plumber if you suspect that there might be a leak and you can’t determine its location.
2. Watch Out for Standing Water
Puddles in the yard or standing water near the pipes or your appliances are some of the signs that there might be a leak somewhere in your plumbing. In some cases, the leak may be from the pipe fittings within the walls.
Call a plumber when you notice discoloration in the walls, bulging wallpaper or musty smells. These are other signs that there might be a leak in your plumbing system.
Ensure that you never ignore these signs to avoid irreparable damage or costly repairs and replacements.
3. Check Your Water Bill
If you’re suddenly getting a skyrocketing water bill, there is something wrong with the plumbing system. Consider dye testing your toilet to see if it might need any repair.
One of the biggest culprits for wasting water is the toilet, either by using too much water while flushing or when there is a leak.
To check for leaks, you need a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank and all the toilets in your home. Wait for a few minutes and check the toilet bowl. If the water suddenly changes color, call a plumber immediately so they can do repair it.
4. Check Appliances and Plumbing Fixtures
Investigate your water heater, dishwasher, washing machine, showers, tubs, the pipes underneath the sink. Check if there is any sign of a leak there and then call Caldwell Plumbing to help you alleviate the problem.
5. Outdoor Leaks
As we mentioned, puddles in the yard or patches of greener grass are some of the signs that there might be a leak in your plumbing. In this case, you wouldn’t be able to tell where the leak is exactly; only a plumber can help. They have the right tools and experience to help them properly locate a leak.
6. Install a Leak Detection Device
These devices are a real lifesaver. A leak detection device can alert you when there is a leak in your plumbing. They can also automatically turn off the water supply to prevent further damage. Some leak detection devices can also monitor any abnormal behavior in your plumbing system. Place them near your water heater, washer and plumbing fixtures.
Call Caldwell Plumbing, as we are more than happy to help with leak detection. Our plumbers are fully equipped and highly skilled to alleviate and permanently resolve any problem, big or small.
Why You Need to Schedule Regular Maintenance
Like home appliances, your plumbing system needs to be regularly monitored by a licensed plumber. While you can periodically check it for any leaks, there are plumbing issues that you only a licensed plumber can determine.
Professionals are highly experienced with things — they know plumbing like the back of their hands and have the tools or equipment to get the job done. For example, you may think that everything is okay because you have enough water and don’t have other issues with your plumbing. What you don’t know is that your pipes may already be corroded. With a camera, a plumber can check the interior of the pipes and rule out any problem.
As much as possible, call a plumber for regular maintenance. Remember that plumbing emergencies don’t happen overnight; they occur because the homeowners ignored minor plumbing issues or neglected maintenance.
Maintaining your plumbing can also extend the lifespan of your system. Flushing the sediment buildup in your water heater can make it more efficient and extends its lifespan. Other things you can do include insulating exposed pipes during the winter, so the water inside doesn’t freeze. When the temperature reaches below zero and the pipes are not insulated, the water inside can freeze, leading to pipes expanding and bursting.
How to Prevent Plumbing Leaks
Remember that water damage may cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. They can even damage the foundation of your home — imagine how much restoration would cost you. Thankfully, there are a lot of things a homeowner can do to prevent leaks in their plumbing.
1. High water pressure can strain the pipes and may trigger a leakage. Call a plumber to help you fix or regular your water pressure.
2. If you’re still using rubber washing machine hoses, consider replacing them with stainless steel hoses as they are more susceptible to damage.
3. When installing new fixtures or appliances, don’t attempt a DIY. Always get help from a licensed plumber for professional and proper installation of your appliance or device.
4. Insulate your pipes, especially during winter, and avoid soften the water to avoid mineral buildup in the pipes.
Contact Caldwell Plumbing Today!
Do you need a plumber today? Don’t hesitate to contact us anytime, as we are always happy to help. We provide leak detection and other plumbing services in the Durham Region. Our plumbers are licensed, and we offer emergency plumbing services for when unexpected issues arise.
You can always rely on us as our professional team are committed to providing only exceptional plumbing services. Contact us today for a free quote or to schedule an appointment.
