Ways to Find Hidden Water Leaks Every Homeowner Should Know
As many homeowners know, a plumbing leak can be an incredibly frustrating and destructive problem to have. Depending on the source and size of the leak, the result can be anything from mold growth and water damage to weak water pressure and outrageously high water bills. Water leaks are also surprisingly common and shockingly wasteful – according to the EPA, household leaks account for around 1 trillion gallons of water waste annually in the United States alone.
So naturally, homeowners will want to nip leaks in the bud as soon as they arise. The trouble is that some leaks may be located in pipes hidden behind walls or underground, which can often go unnoticed for a long time. So to help homeowners identify potential leaks, here are a few simple tips for spotting a hidden water leak.
Look Out for the Warning Signs
While they may not be as obvious as a dripping tap or running toilet, hidden leaks can be spotted by those who know what to look (and listen) for. Here are a few common signs of a water leak:
- The sound of running water: If no water is being used anywhere in the home or yard, but the hiss of running water can be heard (usually from inside walls or under floors), there may be a leak.
- Puddles of water in the yard: Pooling water, soggy spots, or patches of particularly thick grass/vegetation often indicate an underground leak.
- Water stains or mold growth: discolored spots, bubbling wallpaper, or mold growth on walls or ceilings may indicate a leaky pipe.
- Low water pressure: Leaks can cause a decrease in water pressure as water escapes from a pressurized pipe before it can all reach the plumbing fixtures.
- High water bill: If the water bills are higher than usual, but the household usage hasn’t changed much, a leak may be the culprit.
Check the Water Meter
Another way to reveal the presence of a leak is by using the water meter. Most water meters today feature a “leak indicator” dial. This is typically a small triangle located somewhere on the meter face. If homeowners are sure that no water is being used anywhere in the home or out in the yard and the leak indicator dial is spinning, water is passing through the meter on its way to a leak.
If the water meter doesn’t have a leak indicator, homeowners can still use it to identify a leak. Simply write down or take a picture of the number that indicates usage (usually marked “cubic feet” or “gallons”), then wait an hour or two - making sure no water is used during this time - and come back to look at the number. If the number has changed, there’s likely a leak.
Call in a Leak Detection Professional
Plumbers should be called once homeowners have determined they have a leak or still need confirmation. Plumbers can identify leaks and figure out where exactly the leak is located. Leak detection experts use various advanced tools and techniques to pinpoint where the leaks are, so they can minimize the amount of excavation or demolition necessary for fixing them.
A typical water leak detection service may use acoustic listening devices (special microphones that allow technicians to distinguish the frequency of a water leak), leak noise correlators (a device that measures sound waves traveling through a pipe to calculate the location of a leak), or video inspection equipment (a small camera fed into a pipe for a visual inspection of the damage).
Which method a leak detection technician uses will depend on several factors, including the suspected location of the leak and the type of pipes in the home. But regardless of the methods used, hiring a qualified professional is the best way to efficiently and accurately pinpoint leaks with minimal inconvenience to homeowners!
About Sheely Plumbing Inc.
Sheely Plumbing Inc. is a local family owned and operated company serving Alto, MI, and the greater Grand Rapids area since 2010. They provide flat rate pricing, same or next-day service, and experienced professionals. Call them today for water leak detection and repair in Alto, MI.
