Plumbing leaks can sneak up on you, driving up your water bill and causing damage to your home. The good news? You can find most plumbing leaks on your own with just a few simple steps. Here’s a quick guide to help you track down the problem and fix it before things get worse.
The More Obvious Signs of A Plumbing Leak
Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, these are a couple of quick and easy ways to find a water leak before you begin your full-fledged plumbing investigation:
Unusually high water bills: The first and most obvious sign of a plumbing leak is a spike in your water bill. Even the smallest of plumbing leaks can rack up large bills over a long period of time.
Wet or stained areas: Damp spots or stains on walls, ceilings, or floors are all very common signs of a water leak (this could be a pipe or a roof leak, so getting an expert to look at it is recommended).
Mold or Musty Odors: Hidden pipe leaks can create perfect moist conditions for mold to grow. If you notice a strange, musty odor or mold growing on your walls, there is likely a plumbing leak somewhere in your home.
Dripping or Running Water Noises: Another very clear indicator of a leak is hearing water running or dripping when no faucets, toilets, sinks, dishwashers, or washing machines are running.
These more obvious signs are easy indicators that something is wrong. Locating the actual source of the leak and fixing it can be a little more complex.
Step By Step Guide to Finding A Plumbing Leak
By following these steps, you should be able to locate most plumbing leaks.
Start With Your Water Meter
Turn off all the water in your house (leave your main shut-off valve open), and locate your water meter. If all your water is off and your water meter is still moving, you have a plumbing leak.
Check Your Toilets
Toilets are the TOP source of leaks. The best way to discover a leaking toilet is to use the food dye test. Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank and wait 10 minutes. If the color leaks from the tank into the bowl, the flapper is leaking and should be replaced.
Inspect Faucets and Showerheads
Look for drips or pooling water around faucets and showerheads. Often, tightening a connection or replacing a washer can solve the problem.
Inspect Under Sinks
Under-sink leaks are common, easy-to-fix plumbing leaks that most homeowners with some plumbing knowledge can fix. Make sure to thoroughly inspect these areas and feel for any sort of dampness on and around the pipes.
Check Your Hot Water Heater
Visually inspect your hot water heater for any leaks or dampness. You may end up needing to replace your hot water heater heater if a leak is found.
Don't Forget the Outdoors
Make sure to check all the hose bibs, sprinklers, and outdoor pipes. Another thing to look for is puddling water despite not having had any rain recently, which would indicate a plumbing leak.
Before you get the toolbox out and start working away, make sure you know what you are doing first. We always recommend getting a professional to do your plumbing work because one mistake could lead to a lot of damage, especially when dealing with water.
I Couldn't Find The Plumbing Leak! What Should I Do?
Call a Plumber! This might not be what you want to hear. Plumbing jobs can be pricey, BUT so can leaky pipes. Hidden plumbing leaks cause major water damage if left unfixed and will end up costing you a lot more than hiring a plumber. So if you can't locate a plumbing leak it's best to call someone who can and fast! Common hidden plumbing issues include pipe leaks in walls, underground plumbing leaks, and under-slab pipe leaks. All of these require special equipment to locate and fix them.
Who Should I Call?
For plumbing leaks or anything plumbing-related, call Bertucci Bros Plumbing. Our plumbers are quick and experienced, and our prices are unbeatably low. Give us a call at (504) 559-7473 or fill out our online form to get the best-priced quote in New Orleans.
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