Got a plumbing leak in your home that you can’t find? Here is a simple guide that will teach you how to detect a leak and how to get rid of your problems.
Plumbing leaks in general are very dangerous and even a small leak can cause damage to your ceiling, floor, carpet and hardwood. In addition, it can lead to mold, which is a health hazard.
Water leaks can damage your home’s furniture and structure, and you already know how expensive it is to repair or replace them. So before we dive into the leak finding guide, let’s check for signs of a leak first.
How can I tell if I have a leaky pipe?
In most cases, it’s pretty obvious if you have a leak because you can see water dripping off the walls or water pooling in some unusual places. However, this is only ever the case.
Sometimes you can have a small leak that over time can become a massive problem because you can’t detect it or you’re not even aware of it.
This usually happens with underground leaks, which are really hard to find; they can quickly become compromised due to dirt and contaminants entering them. So here are some common signs of a water leak.
1. Wet plasterboard
If you notice that your drywall is wet, you probably have a leak, unless you accidentally spilled something on the wall. This is usually caused by water damage and can be expensive to repair.
You will most likely need to replace the drywall; Should replace it when you notice moisture before it leads to mold growth.
2. Spots and wet spots
Seeing stains and discoloration on the ceiling, walls and floor is definitely a sign that water is leaking. The spots are usually dark brown and resemble the usual pattern of a water stain. Also, if you see some wet spots that should be dry, that’s another clue.
Peeling paint or wallpaper is a common sign of a leak, so watch out for that.
3. Visible mold and cracks in your foundation
The moment you notice mold in your home, that’s your sign to call a professional and deal with it before it spreads. Mold can also be sign of excessive humidity and persistent humidity in the house, but we suggest you check immediately. Better to be safe than sorry!
In addition to these signs, some others are not visible to our eyes. For example, if you hear water dripping somewhere, even though you know you have turned off every faucet, this is a clear sign of a water leak.
You may also smell a strange smell, such as an earthy or musty smell.
How to find a drain pipe?
1. Watch out for Spikes in Your Water Bill
We all generally know how much water we use each month, thanks to our water bill. If you notice that your monthly water usage has increased and you have no new members in your home or you know that you could not have used as much water, you have a leak.
2. Check the water meter
Every home has a water meter that tracks the flow, or in simple words, how many gallons of water flow per minute. If you suspect you might have a leak somewhere, here’s what to do
- Go to your water meter outside your home and write down the number you see on the counter. Next to the meter is a micrometer, a small triangle that moves when water flows into the house.
- Record the last numbers you see on the meter and then turn off the water to the house to make sure there is no running water. The shutoff valve is usually located outside, in the garage or perhaps in the basement.
- After turning it off, check if the micrometer moves; if it moves, you have a leak. You can also compare the numbers on the meter (after waiting at least an hour) before closing the valve. If the numbers are different, then you have a leak.
3. Look for patches of green grass
Sometimes an underground leak can be spotted by inspecting your lawn or yard. For example, you have an area where your grass is much greener and growing Faster than in other areas of your property? If the answer is yes, it could indicate that you have a leak somewhere nearby.
4. Check your Devices and Bodies
If your suspicions about a possible leak have been confirmed, your next step is to check the lower kitchen cabinets, bathroom sink and laundry room to see if there are puddles of water.
You also want to check your washing machine, dishwasher, shower, toilet, every appliance, or simply any appliance or device that uses water. If you notice leaks or water under or near any of the mentioned appliances and accessories, turn off the faucet on that appliance.
5. Test your toilet
If you have already done the previous tests and still need help finding the leak, try testing the toilet as it is the main place for internal leaks. For this test, you will need food coloring. If you suspect there is a problem with the toilet, put some dye in the water and wait a few minutes.
If staining is seeping into the toilet bowl and your flapper is not creating a proper seal, you may just need to replace the flapper to fix the leak. If you don’t have food coloring, you can do this test using a pencil.
Mark the water level on the toilet and then turn off the water supply to the toilet. If the water has subsided after a few minutes, you have a faulty valve as the water is leaking and it shouldn’t.
6. Pressure gauge test
You can also perform a pressure gauge test to see if there are any water leaks. The pressure gauge should be attached to a hose bib on the side of your house. Next, shut off the water in the house to make it a closed system.
If the indicator begins to drip slowly, it means that water is leaving the system. On the other hand, if the indicator remains the same for half an hour or more, water remains in the system. The gauge/indicator will remain the same if there are no leaks.
7. How can I tell if I have a tile leak?
A plate leak is a type of leak that occurs under your home’s foundation or under the concrete slab your home rests on; these can be difficult for the average homeowner, but there is a test you can do to check if you have a leak.
If you see water coming out from under the slab on the outside of your house, you have an underground water leak – the water is probably flowing from a pipe under the slab and finding its way out.
Sometimes water can come out of the cracks under the walls. For example, if you are close to the sink, the water may not come out directly from the pipe, but from the cracks in the tiles. This indicates that the leak is under the board and coming to the surface through the cracks.
You can also tell if you have a tile leak if your kitchen or bathroom tiles suddenly heat up. This is because the heat of the water flowing under the slob heats the concrete, which then heats the tile or floor.
What should I do when I find the leak?
If you are not a plumber, we suggest you hire a professional to fix your leaking pipe or pipes, as this is not a DIY project. You can seriously damage your plumbing or irrigation system if you try to do it yourself.
Also, remember that not every leak you encounter in your home is related to plumbing; sometimes you may have a defective roof or window.
Should I get a leak detector?
To avoid doing numerous tests and doubting whether you have a leak, we suggest purchasing a leak detector as some fixtures leak more often than others. Plus, investing in a good leak detector can save you a lot of money.
Most leak detectors provide immediate notification and they are accurate up to %90. For example, the Phyn Plus Smart Water Assistant will not only notify you of the leak, but will automatically turn off the water.
This allows you to prevent potential damage and give you an indication of when to call a professional.
Conclusion
No one likes to deal with leaks in their home. They are messy, cause a lot of damage and are generally very expensive to fix. If you think you have a leak, try some of these tests to confirm it and then call a professional.
We urge you to do it right away if you have the time and money, because prolonged leaks will only make existing damage worse, and then you’ll have to deal with mold, wet floors, or wet walls.