How to Detect Water Leakages Before It’s Too Late

Why is Early Leak Detection Important?

Water leakages can be a big problem as they can cause grave damage in an apparently innocuous manner. In a quiet yet swift manner, water leakages can destroy valuable items and cause damage to your home that can later spell disaster and weigh heavily on your finances. The following reasons are important for early leak detection:

Causes Corrosion to Property

The seeping of water can corrode walls, wooden furniture, household appliances, upholstery, and electronics. The damage of these items can, in turn, disrupt your standard of living and comfort. Moreover, water damage increases the chances of mold growth, which can eventually become an expensive problem to resolve.

Affects the Functioning of Various Equipment

There are various types of equipment that depend on the steady flow of water for functioning properly. For example, a leak in the boiler relief valve can cause boiler combustion that, in turn, can lead to numerous other complications.

Increases Expenses

Depending on which areas are affected, the cost of repair and restoration can range from minimal to millions. For example, if there is a small leak in the plumbing system that is detected soon, the replacement of the old pipe with a new one may suffice. However, if there is continuous seepage of water that goes undetected, it can cause extensive damage to the surrounding areas that may be financially considerable. Either way, water damage increases the burden of expenses.

How to Detect Water Leakages?

There are certain areas where house water leaks can commonly occur. However, being alert and vigilant at all times can help detect these before it is too late.

Toilets and Bathrooms

• Toilets constitute a good quantity of water at home and hence, it is a good idea to test these from time to time. To detect a water leak, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the tank of the toilet and then wait for a while. If the color is visible in the toilet bowl, there is a water leak.
• If there is any loose tile, peeling paint, or blistering wallpaper in the bathroom, it is an indicator of a water leak.
• The sound of water running or dripping even when the faucets and appliances are turned off clearly means that there is a water leakage somewhere.

Kitchen

• As the kitchen is adequately supplied with water, there are chances of leakages here. So, check under the sinks for dripping water. You can also remove the items underneath the sink and check the exposed plumbing for unnecessary moisture. Any unexplained water or mold anywhere also indicates a leak.

Rooms

• For water pipe leak detection in the rooms of the house, look out for spots on the walls or ceiling, wet floors, and a musty or mildew smell. While such instances are sometimes not always visible, you need to be alert for the timely resolution of water leakages.

Anywhere in the House

• One of the most convenient ways for house water leak detection is to check the water meter. When all the water-consuming appliances are turned off, observe if the flow indicator on the water meter registers any change. Read the meter when the appliances are off and return in an hour to check the meter. With no water usage, the meter should not be moving. However, if the meter increases, it indicates a water leakage.
• Check your monthly water bills regularly. If there is a steady rise in the bills while the water consumption has remained the same, it is a sign of a water leakage.

Swimming Pools

• To find out if there is a leak in the swimming pool, you can conduct a simple bucket test. Switch on the pump, put a bucket on the second step, and fill the bucket with water equal to the level in the pool. If the water level is less than the mark in the bucket, there is a leak in the pool.
• The bucket test can be performed with the pump switched off as well. If there is greater loss of water when the pump is on compared to when it is off, the leak is probably in the plumbing or equipment area. However, if the water loss is the same irrespective of whether the pump is on or off, the leak is likely in the pool.

Underground Water Leaks

Underground water leaks lead to water surfacing from below. These can quickly lead to the damage of not only your own property but also that of your neighbors, destroying the foundation of homes. Water from broken pipes can seep through the soil and erode it, thereby causing sinkholes, which can pose a great danger.

• Keep a watch for areas that are unusually wet or for water in the yard or garden in unexpected places.
• If the building appears to be leaning or there is an uneven flooring, it indicates a leak.
• If you can hear the sound of running water, whooshing, or splashing when all the water in the home is turned off, there is probably an underground water leak.
• Cracks, depressions, and potholes in the concrete foundation of the house or pavement are all signs of a leak.
• When there is an area in the yard or garden that is lusher and greener than the rest, it is probably getting wet from an unexplainable source of water, which could be an underground water leak.

If you suspect a water leak, it is imperative to seek professional help to inspect your home right away before the problem is aggravated and leads to greater loss. Hence, for water leak detection and repair, it is always wise to invest as early as possible.

For speedy fixing of your water leakage problems, contact RAM Plumbing anytime at (520) 747-8089.