Four Ways to Find Hidden Water Leaks
Flooding in your basement, a leaking toilet or constant dripping from the pipes under your sink are all obvious signs that you have a water leak. But what about when the signs aren’t so obvious? Many water leaks are actually hidden from plain sight, but they’re just as damaging.
As your local experts in leak detection in Mesa, AZ, we know a thing or two about spotting these hidden plumbing problems. But how can you, a homeowner, spot early signs of a hidden leak? Here are a few tips that you can use.
Compare your bills
One of the easiest ways to identify a hidden water leak is by monitoring your water bills. Your water bill should be relatively consistent, unless there have been major changes in your water use, such as refilling a pool. If you compare several water bills over a three- to six-month period and notice a steady increase in cost, chances are, you are paying for a water leak that you didn’t even know you had.
Get acquainted with your water meter
If you’ve never checked out your water meter before, now is the perfect time to start. Your water meter measures the water usage for your home. You can typically find it under a small metal or plastic cap fitted outside near your outside stop tap. To check your water meter, you will first need to turn off any running water in your home, such as the dishwasher and washing machine. Now, watch your meter. If the meter changes rapidly, it means you have a serious leak. Check it again after a couple hours and, if it has moved, that means you have a slow/minor leak. No change means no leaks.
Pay attention to your water pressure
If you are noticing that your water pressure is getting low, whether you are taking a shower or washing dishes, this could be a sign of a hidden leak. If you are noticing low pressure from all your faucets at the same time, this is typically a sign of a serious leak.
Use your senses
Hidden leaks may not result in visible pools of standing water, but there are other visible ways they can be detected. If you are noticing a foul damp or moldy smell, this could be a sign of a leak. Other signs might be recurring wet or damp spots on the walls, ceilings or floor. It’s also a good idea to regularly check places where you might not normally go, such as inspecting the pipes under your sink. By just paying attention to your surroundings on a regular basis, you can typically spot signs of a hidden leak pretty easily.
If you are experiencing any of these telltale signs of a hidden leak, then it’s time to call in the professionals! At PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air, we specialize in leaky pipe repairs in Mesa, AZ. If you need help repairing or finding a hidden leak in your home, just give us a call today to schedule a visit!