Water leaks can cause serious damage to your property, whether it’s your roof leak or your pipes burst. Water damage can cost thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars. Smart homeowners will find the leaks early to prevent them from getting worse.
A water leak can be detected early to prevent potential damage. Hidden leaks can cause water damage to a lot of homeowners. It is only when the damage has been done that they realize it.
You can avoid these situations by understanding the signs of hidden water leaks in property. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to call a professional plumber to repair your water leakage.
Here are six ways to find hidden water leaks.
Keep an eye on your utility bills
Water bills are a good indicator. Hidden water leaks can be detected if your water bills keep rising without any change in water usage. It is best to organize your water bills.
It is a good idea for you to check it against the previous months. Consider water rates and usage. The bill should not change if there are no significant changes in these areas.
Check The Exterior Irrigation System
Your irrigation system could be the culprit. Attaching a gardenhose to the spigots can make it easy to inspect them. The connection should not allow water to seep through it. Replace the rubber hose gasket if water is leaking through the connection.
If the leak continues, professional assistance may be required. While you can inspect the spigots at your home, it is worth hiring professionals to conduct annual inspections. The function of some parts of the irrigation system may not be obvious because they are underground.
Look for Mold Signs
Hidden water leaks can be difficult to find, but they are easy to identify. Mold growth can be detected if you notice unusual color changes in your house paint, floor, walls or ceiling. The smell of mold can be difficult to ignore before you notice visible discolorations.
Regularly inspect the back of your kitchen and bathroom cabinets, as well as under sinks and drains. Mold growth can be detected by the foul-smelling stench. To detect roof leaks, inspect your attic.
Use Food Coloring
Your bathroom uses more than 30% of your water consumption. You need to make sure they work properly. Leaks can be tested with a pinch of powdered color food coloring.
Add a few drops of liquid food colors to the toilet tank. Wait for a while. If the color is visible in the bowl of the toilet, it’s likely that the water is not draining properly.
Analyze your monthly water consumption
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends that you check your water consumption to identify hidden water leaks. A significant water leak can be detected in your home if a family of four uses more than 12,000 gallons per month.
Check the Water Meter
The water meter can be used by homeowners to determine if there are hidden water leaks in their home. This is the most efficient and easiest way to find hidden water leaks. Check to see if your meter is still working by turning off all water supply. Find a professional plumber near you to repair your pipes.