We rely on water to live, clean and play. And we’d have a very difficult time going even one day Plumbing Leak without it. From that morning cup of coffee to a relaxing bath at the end of a long day and everything in between, we expect to open a faucet or press a few buttons on a washing machine and voila! – out comes water.
But water can cause a significant amount of damage when it goes where it shouldn’t, like behind sheet-rocked walls, underneath flooring, inside your cabinets, and more. The plumbing leaks you can see are easy to stop cold until they can be properly repaired. You just shut off the water valve to that fixture. But what about the leaks you can’t see or hear?
Read on to learn how you can determine if you’ve sprung a leak so you can locate it and stop it in its tracks before damage is done.
Keep an eye on the water bill. Your monthly water bill should be reasonably predictable. Sure, it might be a bit higher come summer when you have the sprinkler system going, or in the dead of winter as you indulge in longer showers or baths, but if you notice a significant spike that can’t be explained, you may have a leak.
Check the water meter. If you suspect a plumbing leak, the water meter can easily confirm it. First, turn off all faucets and water-using appliances. Check the meter and write down the numbers you see. Don’t use any plumbing fixtures or appliances for at least an hour and check the meter again. Have the numbers changed? If so, you likely have a leak.
Check water-using appliances and fixtures. If the water meter test indicates a leak, look under all sinks and around toilets, bathtubs, showers, the water heater, washing machine, and dishwasher for puddling. Once spotted, turn off the water supply to that appliance or fixture and contact a plumber or appliance repair technician for further evaluation and repair.
Dye the toilet water. No, this isn’t some arts and crafts project – it’s an easy way to tell if water is leaking from the toilet tank into the bowl. Add a couple of drops of food coloring into the tank of every toilet in the house. If color appears in the water in the bowl within five minutes, the flapper is likely deteriorated and allowing water to trickle from the tank into the bowl.
Is the grass greener? Sure, everyone wants a lush, green, healthy lawn, but if you notices patches in your yard that are much greener than the rest, it could mean you have a leak in a buried water line.
Look for clues. Some leaks can be sneaky, especially from plumbing hidden behind walls, floors, and ceilings. Look for wall discoloration, bubbling paint or wallpaper, a musty odor, or the sound of dripping water.
And yet, when it comes to repairing a water leak or the pipes causing it, you don’t need to look any further than Eagle Service Company. We are your local plumbing and HVAC resource for all reasons, and all seasons. We look forward to our next opportunity to serve you.
