These are the signs you should look out for to determine if there is a water leak.
Make sure you check your Water Meter
The water meter is one of the best ways you can tell if there’s a leak in your plumbing. First, turn off the water supply to your home. Turn off all water faucets and ensure that the washing machine and dishwasher are turned off. Next, check the meter to see if it changes. You may have a fast-moving water leak.
If the meter does not change immediately, wait for two hours before checking it again. It could be a slow leak if the meter does not change despite water being turned off. It could be located anywhere beyond the meter or underground. Remember that homeowners are responsible for all piping connected to the meters.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, you should check your winter water consumption to determine if there is a leak in your home. A serious leaky plumbing problem could be causing a significant water shortage in a household of four that uses more than 12,000 gallons per month.
You must monitor your bill
A leak could be the reason your bill keeps rising but your water usage habits haven’t changed. Keep in mind that your pipes could be underground. Although you may not be able to see leaks in this area of your system, you will still have to pay for them.
A professional plumber will inspect all pipes and make sure they are in good condition. Professional attention is needed if there’s a warm spot in the floor or a sound coming from the water pipes.
Get some food coloring
Your toilets could account for as much as 30% of your water consumption, so make sure you check that they are working properly. Add a few drops food coloring to your toilet tank. Wait 10 minutes. If you see the color in your bowl, it is likely that there is a leak. This allows water to flow from your tank to your drain without having to flush the bowl.
External Usage
Leaks can occur anywhere, not just in the home. Long Beach Plumbers recommend that you inspect your exterior spigots using a gardenhose. If water seeps through the connection during hose running, change the rubber hose gasket. Also check that all connections are tight. If you have an irrigation system, consider calling a professional to inspect it once a year. Even a minor leak can cause 6,300 gallons per month of water loss.
Common Sense
Regularly inspect the under basins and back of cabinets for signs of mold. This could help you save thousands of dollars in repairs. Consider having a Long Beach plumber inspect your home annually to look for potential problems or leaks.
If your home is older than 25 years, be especially careful. Your plumbing system could be at the end of its useful life. For signs of slow leaks, inspect all connections to the water heater, pumps and washing machine hoses.
Call a professional if you suspect that there is a leak in your plumbing system. Do not wait for it to get worse. You could end up with a huge mess!