How to Find a Hidden Plumbing Water Leak Inside a Wall or Underneath Your Galveston, TX House

Major plumbing problems such as clogs or burst piping can be rather obvious. However, smaller leaks can go unnoticed for extended periods of time. According to the EPA the average home wastes up to 10,000 gallons of water per year due to small leaks. It is not the major plumbing issues that can lead to water wastes. Instead, it is usually the smaller ones. Today Absolute Plumbing & Mechanical would like to share how to locate those hidden leaks in your home to prevent future water waste which can even help you save money.

Average Monthly Water Bill

Some leaks are well hidden and often go undiscovered until walls or ceilings are discolored and covered in mold. However, one way to know if you have a leak hidden somewhere in your home is by constantly monitoring your water bill. When you are paying more and more on your water bill, it can help tip you off that you have a leak within your home’s plumbing system. The average home consumes about 12,000 gallons of water each month. When water usage goes higher, it is a good indicator you are losing water from a leak.

Water Meter Leak Detection

Another way to monitor your water usage is by reading your water meter. If you believe or want to test your home for leaks, write down the number on your water meter, then turn off all of the water using appliances, and faucets in your home. Make sure the aeration system is turned off as well. After two hours without water usage go and look at your water meter and see if the numbers have changed from when everything was shut off. If the number continued to go up, then you have a leak.

What is Involved in a Plumbing Inspection?

It is recommended to frequently inspect your plumbing for leaks. Regularly check your faucets for dripping. Look underneath the sink or faucet at the piping, gaskets and fittings. If there are any water or calcium deposits or water drips on the outside of the pipe, you have a leak. Checking for toilet leaks can be tricky. One way to test your toilet for leaks is by putting a few drop of food coloring in the bowl. After a few hours check the bowl. If there is a tinted line above the water you can see the bowl is slowly loosing water and is leaking. Don’t forget about about checking the hoses to the washing machine, dishwasher, and refrigerator (those with an ice maker or cold water supply). The piping and hoses can wear our or become eroded with calcium. When this happens they often begin to leak and most homeowners never know until puddling occurs.

Signs of a Plumbing Leak

Often there is plumbing and piping that runs underneath the foundation of homes. Detecting a leak underneath can be difficult and often it can take leaks years to reveal itself. However, the foundation will often crack and the floor may look and feel uneven. Sometimes water may even rise out of the crack causing a puddle to occur. Other signs of hidden leaks may appear as odors. The scent of mold and mildew is never a good sign and often is the result of a leak.

Water Leak Detection, Plumbing Repairs & More in Santa Fe, Tomball, Sugar Land, Galveston & Greater Houston, Texas

If you need your home checked for hidden leaks or need other plumbing services, contact Absolute Plumbing & Mechanical today.

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