The destruction of water leaks on your home is no small matter. If left unaddressed, leaks can lead to potential safety hazards, costly repairs, and significant property damage. Learning how to identify water leaks early on can save you money on your water bill and keep you and your home safe.
However, water leaks are not always easy to find. They can occur anywhere in your plumbing system including pipes, valves, fittings, and appliances. In this guide, we lay the groundwork on how to detect water leaks in your home so you can be proactive in catching them before they cause serious harm.
Common Causes of Water Leaks
- Stress on pipes from high water pressure
- Corrosion of pipes and fittings from water pollutants
- Expansion and contraction on pipes from seasonal temperature changes
- Defective plumbing installation
- Old or worn-out fixtures
Common Places to Find Water Leaks
- Fixtures such as toilets, sinks, and showers
- Appliances that use water like dishwashers and washing machines
- Around hot water heaters and boilers
- Fittings (often the weakest point of a plumbing system)
Signs Your Home Has a Water Leak
Water Damage
The most obvious signs of a water leak are moisture buildup, visible water collecting in unusual areas, stains/discolorations on walls and ceilings, warped surfaces, mold or mildew, and paint or wallpaper that is peeling or bubbling.
If the damage of a leak is hidden from sight, some other signs to look out for include a persistent musty or mildew smell, the sound of dripping or running water when no water is being used, and hot spots on the floor which could suggest a hot water pipe leak below.
Also, don’t forget to check the outdoors for signs of an underground pipe leak, such as unexpected wet or soggy patches in your yard or driveway that don’t go away.
If you notice persistent signs of a water leak, it’s important to address the situation immediately as they can cause significant damage to your house if left unattended.
Low Water Pressure
While high water pressure can damage your pipes, low water pressure can also be a sign of an ongoing leak or blockage in your plumbing system. It’s a good idea to regularly check your water pressure for a sudden decrease, which could indicate a leak. Ideally, the water pressure in your home should be between 45 and 60 pounds per square inch (psi) and anything consistently under or over this threshold should be investigated and addressed further.
If you are concerned about your home’s water pressure, a Tudi plumbing expert can bring you peace of mind, by testing your water pressure and making necessary adjustments to keep your plumbing system functioning in peak condition.
Unexplained Increases in Your Water Bill
Another sign for a water leak in your home is if there is a sudden increase in your water bill. It’s important to always check your monthly water bills and compare them closely to the previous months.
While some fluctuations in water bills are typical, a consistent increase in your monthly statements without a clear explanation could mean water is escaping from your plumbing system and it would be a good time to call an expert to investigate.
Changes On Your Water Meter
Testing your water meter is another way to check for leaks. To test for a leak, make sure no water is being used in the house, then take note of the current water meter reading. After a few hours, without using any water, check the water meter reading again. If there was a change in the reading, this could be a sign you have a leak.
What To Do If You Detect a Water Leak
First turn off your water supply from your main shut-off valve to avoid further damage. Then, take the time to try and locate the source of the leak with a visual sweep of your plumbing system. Identify all areas of water damage to help narrow down the source of the leak. Also, listen carefully for any sounds of running water behind walls and under floors.
If the source of the leak is hidden or the leak is more than a simple fix, it’s time to get in touch with a plumbing expert to locate and repair the leak in a timely manner, preventing further damage and keeping your home safe.
How To Protect Your Home from Leaks in The Future
Establish a routine inspection of your plumbing system to maximize your chances of catching water leaks before they become costly repairs. It’s also a good idea to be actively keeping an eye out for water damage inside and outside of your home year-round.
You can also buy a smart water leak detector system which can monitor your water usage and detect leaks in real time, send alerts via your smartphone, and depending on the model, can even shut off your water supply automatically if a leak is detected.
The most sure-fire way to preventing leaks from happening in the first place is by investing in routine plumbing maintenance with an expert. If you are worried about water leaks in your home, the plumbing experts at Tudi are equipped with the technology and experience to make identifying and repairing leaks fast and easy. So don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our experts about scheduling your next leak check today!