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Statistics show that 10% of homes waste over 90 gallons of water daily due to leaks – you see how serious the problem is?
Also, household leaks can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted annually – enough to wash 270 loads of laundry!
Unreported water leaks can cause significant damage to your home’s plumbing system. This results in expensive repairs and resource waste. Hence, you must find hidden water leaks. It is recommended to call licensed plumbers – as they get your job done efficiently and professionally.
In addition to wasting water and increasing utility costs, these leaks can cause serious structural damage. This can lead to the spread of mold and also compromise the foundation of your house. If ignored, they worsen problems, resulting in expensive plumbing issues and potential health risks.
If you are wondering, “how can I find a leak on my own?” Then worry not! We have curated this brief guide for you to ensure you find the leaky pipes and get them fixed soon!
| Worried about hidden water leaks? Let Preferred Plumbing & Drain find and fix them for you! |
How To Identify Hidden Water Leaks?
Here’s how you can identify water leaks at your home –
1. Asses Your Water Meter
A water meter can definitely help you find the leak. Check the meter after shutting off all of the water sources in your house. See if the meter is moving. If it keeps moving despite all the water faucets being turned off, you have a pretty accelerating leak.
Or if you see the water is not moving, wait for a few minutes (about 15-20 minutes). Then check again – if you see a slight change in the water meter – you have a slow leak.
Note: Keep an eye out for variations in the meter’s readings, particularly when the water is not being used.
2. Listen For Drips And Hisses
When you give your water meter some time to see if it changes, take a stroll around your home. While doing so, keep your ear on dripping and hissing sounds.
If you hear a dripping sound coming out of your walls, there is likely water flowing through the walls due to leakage. If you find any such issues, call your local plumbers near you..
3. Use Food Coloring on the Toilet
Toilets are most probably one of the major causes of plumbing leaks. They are prone to cause damage through leaks – because of their higher placement and connection to the waste pipes.
You can add a few drops of food color to the tank above the toilet. Wait for a few minutes to see if there is any change in the toilet water. If the water in the toilet changes its color, it means there is a leak between the tank and the toilet bowl.
Also, you can check for spots and stains on the ceiling beneath the toilet.
4. Look For Patches of Greener Grass
Have you ever been strolling around your lawn and found some area is more lush green than the other?
Well, it has been receiving a good amount of water. A leaking underground pipe could be watering that part of the lawn. If the leak is huge, you can see some noticeable water puddles around the area.
5. Check Hidden Pipes
Underground pipes are not the only hidden pipes – you may have some behind the walls, concrete slabs, basements, ceilings, etc. Though it is quite difficult to check for leaky pipes in these areas.
Though we discussed this earlier, checking your water meter can help you find if there is any leak in the hidden pipes. Also, you can check for heat from an area beneath the surface. The heat is produced when pressurized water hits a surface for a long period.
6. Check For Leaking Sprinklers and Outdoor Taps
In summer, outdoor taps and sprinklers can easily hide the leaks. This is because the water evaporates quickly, in case of slower leaks. Hence, they leave no evidence.
To check for leaks, look underneath the taps and sprinklers – you will either find a damp ground or a puddle of water. Also, you will know about the leaks if you touch the spot where the damp patch is.
Note: We recommend you call the top plumbers in Sacramento to check the leaks. Not that you can’t do it – but a professional has the required tools and equipment to mend the leaks.
7. Look Where The Musty Smell Is Coming From
When water leaks from the pipes and accumulates in a certain area, it creates a damp environment. This leads to the growth of mildew and mold. The stagnant water smells musty, which can permeate walls, floors, and other surfaces.
If you experience persistent must odor in your home, coming from areas that are not exposed to moisture – you might need to call for plumbing Sacramento, CA. If not taken care of, these issues can lead to health damage and costly repair.
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How Do Professionals Identify Water Leaks?
Professional plumbers use recent technologies and techniques to locate water leaks.
One of the most common methods is – thermal imaging. It uses infrared cameras to find temperature variations in the wall, floor, or ceiling caused by moisture. It also allows them to identify the extent of damage caused by water.
Next, they use acoustic leak detection. This method uses a microphone. It picks up the sound of water escaping from pipes under pressure. This technique is quite useful in detecting underground leaks, as it can isolate the noise of water amidst the surrounding noise.
Professional plumbing services also use ultrasonic leak detection, which uses ultrasonic sound waves to identify leaks. Moreover, they make use of pressure testing – which indicates leaks in the system.
How To Prevent Water Leaks?
Finding hidden water leaks is important, but it’s preferable to stop them before they start. The following precautions will help minimize the likelihood of leaks and preserve the dependability of your plumbing system –
- To stop leaks, replace gaskets, connectors, and worn-out seals.
- Track water use and take immediate action on any irregularities.
- Protect exposed pipes from freezing and bursting by insulating them.
- Make plans for routine plumbing system maintenance and inspections.
- To reduce the strain on plumbing fixtures, teach family members water-saving techniques.
- Check your drain pipes to ensure they are working well. Ensure they are not clogged, as clogged pipes can also cause water spilling. Call a drain cleaning expert to ensure your drain is in good health.
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Takeaway
Leaky pipes are a nightmare for many homeowners. It can cause severe damage, and the most prevalent concern is – it can cause structural damage. It also leads to the growth of mold and mildew. They can cause health concerns such as – respiratory and allergic diseases.
Moreover, it increases the risk of water contamination, posing a risk to health. Also, it attracts pests such as rodents and insects. They can chew on your wires or contaminate your food.
Considering all these, it is important to get your pipes fixed, even if they are small leaks. The above-mentioned steps will help you find the leaks. But if you are unable to locate the leak on your own – call emergency plumbers.
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Have a Leaky Pipe Issue You Cannot Resolve? Preferred Plumbing and Drain Is Just A Call Away!
Are you wondering – “Where can I find plumbers?” Well, Preferred Plumbing and Drain, we offer plumbing and drain services to several areas in California.
Protect your property from leaks by acting quickly to stop them from causing havoc. We are here to help you if you’re not good at doing repairs yourself.
With years of experience and extensive training, our professionals guarantee prompt and dependable plumbing services in Sacramento, California. Protect your house and your mental health right now – because leaks can give you several issues other than water wastage and an increase in the water bill.
Get in touch with us for the best plumbers in Sacramento.
