Once you know you have a leak how can you tell where a water leak is coming from?
Sometimes leaks can happen right under your nose. Before you start ripping out walls, the easiest way to check whether you have a water leak is by reading your water meter. Some water meters are found in the basement, right above your main water shut-off valve. The leak indicator (small colored symbol beside the meter hand) will be moving if there’s a water leak in your home. Next go to your toilet and turn off the water at the valve. Go back to the water meter and see if the leak indicator has stopped. If it has you have located the source of the leak. Go to each valve in your home and shut off a valve. Once the meter has stopped indicating a leak, you have located the source. Now go back one by one and turn on the valves you have tuned off. Check the water meter before you go to the next valve. This will allow you to determine if you have more than one source for a leak. If after tuning off all valves the leak is still being indicated, it is now time to contact a plumber. Some locations may not have shut off valve, i.e. tub, outside faucet.
Leaking pipes are a major issue. They can cause severe damage to your home, ruining ceilings, floors, walls, carpets, furniture, and more. The moisture can encourage the growth of mold and mildew. All of these problems can then result in some rather expensive repair bills. Not only that, but leaky pipes also waste water, which means you’re paying a whole lot more on your water bill for the water you’re not even using. One of the most significant issues with leaks is that you can’t see the pipes in your home, so you might not even know that one has developed. Understanding the most common causes, however, can enable you to contact a plumber and prevent future issues. |