Best Leak Detection Tips

When a broken pipe goes unnoticed, it can spell disaster for both your plumbing system and bank account. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, in one year, a single household’s leaks can result in 10,000 gallons of wasted water. That translates into hundreds of lost dollars and poses a serious threat to a family’s water safety.

Stay vigilant about your home’s health by connecting with Hi-Tech Plumbing & Leak Detect. Our knowledgeable team can help catch even the most subtle piping issues. Until then, you can investigate independently by reviewing these leak detection tips and facts.

Why Are Leaks Harmful?

Aside from driving up water bills, leaks produce a multitude of other unpleasant situations. For example, constant dripping in your walls can rot your house from the inside out, meaning you’ll have to spend thousands on reconstruction.

Furthermore, when liquid unexpectedly escapes, a home’s water pressure may suddenly drop, which allows external water to seep into its piping. If the leak is below your home, this creates an opportunity for filthy groundwater to end up in your sinks or showers.

These are just a few more reasons why homeowners should schedule regular leak detection services or seek pipe repairs immediately if damage occurs.

How Can I Detect a Leak At Home?

Conduct a Visual Inspection

Before starting an in-depth investigation, it’s easiest to simply scan your home for visual evidence of a leak. For example, look for wet patches on all your walls, floorboards and ceilings. Any dampness or warm spots in these areas likely indicate a fractured pipe.

Listen for Suspicious Sounds

If there aren’t any obvious visual signs, you can try relying on your hearing instead. You may notice strange dripping, murmuring or creaking sounds within your walls or floors if there is a piping issue.

Make Note of Unusual Scents

Next, pay attention to any unfamiliar odors, particularly the musty stench of mildew. Increased humidity from leaking water may have stimulated mold growth throughout your home.

Examine Your Water Pressure

When your sink or shower isn’t pumping out as much water as usual, it might be because the liquid is escaping elsewhere. Low water pressure is a common consequence of faulty plumbing, meaning it always merits professional attention.

Monitor Your Water Bills

While it’s best to detect a leak at home before the bills roll in, rising water costs may be the first sign you receive. If you end up paying far more than expected, excess water is likely spilling within your plumbing system.

Investigate New Pests

When moisture begins pooling in the recesses of your house, it tends to attract rodents, ants and other irritating visitors. Provided there isn’t anything else that might draw these pests in (like spilled food or excessive crumbs), a leak may be the culprit.

Check Your Water Meter

Finally, if all else fails, you can examine your water meter. This device will probably be located in an in-ground box near your front sidewalk. Before you check, shut off your home’s main water valve to ensure no faucets are running inside. Afterward, check the number on your water meter and make note of it.

Two hours later, with your water system still deactivated, check again. If the number has remained the same, all is well. However, if the red sweep hand has shifted, it indicates liquid is spilling somewhere.

Find Leak Detection Services

If these leak detection tips have raised any suspicions, request a service appointment with Hi-Tech Plumbing & Leak Detect today. We’re dedicated to keeping your home safe, well-maintained and, of course, dry!