Nothing is more upsetting than thinking that there could be a water leak lurking somewhere in your home. Maybe it was a huge water bill that made you start to worry. Or you might have noticed that your home’s water pressure has begun to decrease. But regardless of the reason for your concern, you need to know how to investigate further. What you discover will help you decide if a problem and a call to a leak detection expert is required. Below are three ways that you might locate some of the most common water leaks in your home.
Visual Inspections
If you think that there is a water leak in your home, you are sure to be looking for more than a tiny drip at the kitchen sink. But what many homeowners don’t consider is that each one of those small drips can add up to a significant amount of water loss in your home. An increase in your water consumption and the cost of your water bill could be the result of a dozen or more tiny issues.
A faucet that is dripping ten times per minute will waste about 43 gallons of water a month. That is not noticeable on your water bill. But if you have five faucets dripping in your home, that is over 200 gallons of water. Now you could be seeing some numbers go up on that water bill. Even worse, if there are only five small leaks in a water line under your house, that is over a bathtub full of water undermining your foundation. Looking for drips at faucets, showers, tubs, and under the sinks in your home could reveal many minor issues.
Your Home’s Cooling System
Many modern cooling systems have a water connection as well as drain pipes that could be leaking. If you notice moisture near your HVAC equipment or ductwork, don’t ignore it. Instead, call in a plumber to investigate the water and determine where it is coming from and correct it.
Turn To Your Water Meter
If you have determined that the leak is related to your home’s water lines, not a leaking drain pipe or the HVAC, your water meter will confirm your suspicion. First, turn off all the water-consuming items in your home. That includes faucets, tubs, washing machines, and dishwashers. Also, be sure that outdoor items like a pool or spa autofill or irrigation system are not running. Then look at your home’s water meter. Record the precise reading. Wait for 30 minutes without turning on any water in or outside your home. Return to the meter to take another reading. If the numbers are not the same, you have a water leak somewhere, and it is time to call in the leak detection professionals.
What To Expect From Leak Detection
Fortunately, leak detection is much more a science than it was just a few years ago. These pros use technology instead of sledgehammers to locate leaks hidden in the walls, floors, or under the home’s foundation. Sound amplification devices, moisture sensors, and thermal imaging are all used to locate even the smallest hidden water leaks. Once the leak is located, your pro will provide you with as many cost-effective repair options as possible.
Call (866) 619-7063 at the first sign of any water leaks in your home. The faster you call in the Leak1 Leak Detection pros, the less potential there is for significant water damage and the growth of mold and mildew in your home. In addition, repairing a tiny hidden leak is always more cost-effective than making a considerable repair.