Water leaks can result in serious problems for homeowners, especially if they go unnoticed. Early detection of leaks can save you quite a few bucks on your utility bills and avert a potential water emergency. It can save you from having to spend hundreds of bucks on expensive repairs and deal with the mess that flooded pipes can create.
The worst part about water leaks is that they aren’t always obvious. However, by diligent observation, you can figure out if you have a hidden plumbing leak and call experts from JVS Plumbing Co. to fix it up for you.
Ways to Check For Hidden Plumbing Leaks
1. Monitor the Utilities Bill
Monthly utility bills are quite predictable. Since you use more or less the same amount of water each month, you should be able to tell if there is a sudden increase in the utility bill you receive. If you haven’t been using excess water, and there is a spike in your water bill, then it is highly likely that you have a hidden plumbing leak. It is best to call in a plumber to inspect your water fixtures ASAP to prevent further charges and stop the damage from worsening.
2. Investigate Your Appliances and Water Fixtures
If your water bill has shown that there is a leak inside your home, you should inspect the water fixtures and appliances and make sure they’re dry. Look at the bathroom and kitchen sinks, as well as the laundry area and under the cabinets. If there are any puddles or you notice the appliances ‘sweating’, they are the ones with the water damage.
3. Keep an Eye Out for Discolored or Bulging Walls
If you have a sudden spray of water coming out of the cabinet under the kitchen sink, you know straight away where the water damage is present. However, most water leaks are a lot sneakier and go unnoticed until the damage has gotten quite extensive. This damage will show up in the form of discolored walls and bubbling paint or wallpaper. Both of these signs indicate that the wallboard is wet due to a hidden water leak behind it.
4. Check Out Any Dripping Sounds
Although some leaks may be completely silent, you will often be able to notice slight dripping sounds from the leak’s location. These can most commonly be heard late at night when everyone has gone to bed, and the house is silent.
5. Get Some Food Coloring
In the end, we have a quick little trick to help you figure out if your toilet is working properly. Since toilets account for 30% of your total water use, they are most susceptible to developing hidden leaks. To check for such leaks, put in a few drops of coloring in the tank and wait for 15 minutes. If the color appears in your bowl without you flushing the toilet, you have a leak in your toilet tank.
