Got unusually high water bill and wondering why? Are you trying hard to find the actual reason of an ordinary plumbing problem at home? Does excessive water usage, soft water pressure, noises or slow drains ring a bell? If you are looking to find the source of water problem at your home then you are reading the right blog post. Follow these simple leak detection tips to locate the source of the water problem:

SEARCH FOR THE LEAK EVIDENCE

You can detect water leaks along the board base of the walls near your plumbing fixtures. Pipes containing pressured water can eventually become corroded, crack or even develop loose fittings due to freezing and thus allowing continuous loss of precious water until it is repaired. Darkened surfaces, mildew or puddles of water even may occur below the leaks. It may be important to remove the wallboard, plaster or paneling to correct the problem if it is inside wall cavity.

CAREFULLY LISTEN TO THE DRIPPING SOUNDS

Turn off all sounds and carefully listen. This step might seem very simple but it is often unnoticed in a noisy, busy home. Although a dripping faucet would not waste a significant amount of water, over time it could result into gallons of water waste. You will hear the sound of dripping water where there is no or little activity around the house, such as late at night or early in the morning.

 

CHECK UNDERNEATH THE SINKS & VANITIES

Grab your flashlight and follow the trail of the exposed pipes to look for the droplets of water. The droplets of water, if any, would accumulate at lower section. You can run your fingers along these pipes and feel for wetness.

LOOK FOR THE SWEAT MARKS ON YOUR PIPES

The pipes in your home may sweat when the water (cold) passes through them in the warmer interior spaces. This condensing of water on surface of the pipes may start to drip, causing the moisture problems to eventually appear.

MAYBE THE BATHROOMS ARE MAKING NOISES

Listen for noises from your bathrooms in order to check if they run at unusual intervals, especially when no one in the home has flushed them recently. The tank would slowly drain after some time when there is a seal leak in your water closet (toilet), until the level of water sufficiently drops for a float valve to replenish it. Leaking seals and sticking flush valves in the toilets could waste significant amount of water since the flow is continuous.

CHECK SUPPLY VALVES ON COMMODES & LAVATORIES

The packing that seals the water valve basically seals when it is compressed. It is only sealed to pack the leak paths so it does not create any difficulty while you turn the handle. You need to turn the packing nut slightly clockwise to see if it stops the water leak around the stem. The smallest of leaks occasionally stops when the valve is partly opened and it is either fully opened or fully closed.

HAVE YOU CHECKED YOUR WATER METER?

Last but not least, you need to check the water meter. The water flow to your house will cease by turning off all the appliances and faucets that consume water. Locate the water meter, read the displayed amount and write down the number. Check it again after an hour to see if the water went through it (even if no one is using it in your home). Usually, smaller leaks do not move this meter but larger ones will.

Got water leak somewhere? Please call our office at 800-930-1123 for more information or to schedule one of our trained technicians to install a water alarm for only $39.95

Additional resources on leak detection Pembroke Pines:

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• How to unclog a drain
• Tankless water heaters Pembroke Pines
• Plumbing services Miami