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Disclaimer: This content is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information presented. We are not liable for any actions taken based on this content. For specific issues or decisions, we recommend seeking professional advice.
Most homeowners will experience a plumbing leak in their home at one point or another during the course of their lives. Some leaks are obvious like burst pipes or running toilets. Others take a bit of detective work.
You can repair a leak faster if you notice it sooner. However, you can’t fix it if you can’t locate it.
This article will cover how to find water leaks and where they are most common. Follow it and at the very least you’ll have more information to provide if you need to call leak detection services with specialized equipment like in this video below.
How can you tell if there is a water leak?
There are some of the most common signs that a plumbing leak is troubling your home.
Some leaks may be obvious right away, depending on the severity of the problem and where they originated. For example, a badly leaking tap is something homeowners would typically notice. Other leaks are more subtle. For example, a leaking underground pipe may not be visible, but you will only notice it in unusually high water bills.
These are the visual signs that you may have a water leak problem:
- Stains on walls, ceilings, and floors.
- Visible mold and mildew in kitchens and bathrooms
- Cracks in the foundation of your home
- Odors that are unusual or musty, often associated with mold and mildew
- An abrupt increase in your monthly water bills, both in cost and usage.
- Water meter running very lightly when all outlets are off
Leakages from pipes are not the only source of indoor water damage. Roof leaks are another possible source of water damage to your home.
Leaking taps and toilets
The most common leaks are taps and toilets. Inspect the taps inside and outside your home as well as looking for toilets leaking from the base or into the bowl.
Flexible hoses
Under your sink taps are connected by flexible hoses. They wear and can burst, so a leak from here is important to get fixed quickly.
Showers and Leaking Tubs
It is possible for showers and tubs to leak from the pipes connecting them. This can cause water getting behind the floor tiles and waterproofing presenting as wet patches or mould along skirting and walls..
Leaking Appliances
Double-check for water damage around your washing machine or dishwasher. Follow any wet patches to see if it’s coming from the appliance or connections.
Leaking Hot Water Systems
As hot water systems get older, small leaks can occur in their tanks which have begun to corrode. This is likely to be the reason for water pooling around the base. Other times, your system’s pressure relief valve might be opening to let water (and pressure!) out of the tank. If the valve is leaking, that’s a hot water problem you’ll need fixed, usually just replacing it.
Leakage in the outdoors
Although we don’t give much thought to it, our yards are full of pipes. Many of our yards have irrigation and drip lines that connect to our sprinkler heads and gardens. Each home has either a sewer or septic line that runs from the home to the street, as well as stormwater drains.
Outdoor leaks can be difficult to identify at first, but they can present as moist areas in dirt or grass, especially if it hasn’t rained recently.
Are you still not sure where that leak is coming from? Perhaps you suspect a water leak underground? Call a local plumber for help and describe the problem to them. Plumbers with specialised leak detection equipment will find the location of a leak efficiently and precisely. This means they can fix the problem with digging up your entire yard to find it.
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