Either it is your leaky roof or burst pipes, water leaks can be pretty devastating for your property. You have to spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars to deal with the extensive water damages. Smart homeowners attend the leaks before they get worse.
Early detection of a water leak can prevent your house from potential disasters. A good deal of homeowners have to deal with water damages on account of the hidden leaks. They only get to know it when the damage is done.
If you want to avoid such scenarios, it is important t understand some signs of hidden water leaks in your property. As you find any of these signs, it is best to hire a professional plumber for water leak repair.
Here are 6 ways to help discover hidden water leaks.
Monitor Your Utility Bills
Your water bills can be a helpful hint. If your water bills are constantly increasing without any significant change in your water usage, there can be a hidden water leak. The best way to do this is to keep your water bills organized.
As you update it at the end of every month, it is a good idea to compare it with the past few months. Think about water usage and rates. If there is no significant change in any of these, the bill should be in the same range as the past few months.
Assess The Irrigation System In The House Exterior
The irrigation system for your house lawn can be a possible culprit. It is easy to look at the outer spigots by attaching a garden hose. Ideally, there should be no water seepage through the connection. If you see leaking water, replace the rubber hose gasket and recheck the connections.
If the leak persists, you may need professional help. You can check the spigots in your but consider hiring professionals for annual inspections. Some parts of the irrigation system are underground and the water leakage may never be evident from its function.
Start Looking For Mold Signs
Hidden water leaks are difficult to spot but the accompanying signs are not. If you see unusual color changes in the house paint, the floor, walls, or ceiling it indicates the growth of mold. Before you see the discolorations of visible spots, the smell of mold is almost impossible to dodge.
Examine the back of your bathroom and kitchen cabinets, under sinks and drains regularly. The foul smells are signs of mould growth. Visit your attic to detect roof leaks.
Use Some Food Coloring
More than 30 percent of your water usage is in the bathrooms. It is important to check if they are operating correctly. A pinch of powdered food coloring can assist you in testing leaks.
When you are using liquid food colors, add a few drops in the toilet tank and wait for a few minutes. If you find the color in the toilet bowl, then it means the water is running down the drain without flushing.
Analyze Your Monthly Water Usage
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends checking your water usage to find out hidden water leaks. If a family of four is using more than 12,000 gallons of water per month, it indicates a significant leak problem somewhere in your home.
Check The Water Meter
A homeowner can use the water meter to check if the house has hidden water leaks. It is one of the most effective and easy ways to do so. Turn off all the water in your home and see if the meter is still running. Search for a professional plumbing service near you for repairs.