Uncovering Hidden Water Leaks in Your Home

Discovering a plumbing leak in your home can be easy when the evidence is clearly presented–dampness under the sink, a puddle around the toilet, or water surrounding a hot water heater. But what about other clues that aren’t so obvious? Could there be a water leak hiding in your home?

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What You Can Do

Some water leaks in a home are sneaky. They can be slow and out of view, catching homeowners off guard only when their damage is recognizable and substantial. We offer the following ways you can catch a leak in its early stages, saving you from costly repairs.

1. Monitor Your Water Bill

• Unexpected Increase: A sudden spike in your water bill without a change in usage can indicate a leak.
• Compare Usage: Check your water usage over a few months. Are there any unusual increases?

2. Check the Water Meter

• Water Meter Test: Turn off all water sources in your home. Check the water meter, wait 15 minutes, and check again. If the meter reading changes, you may have a leak.
• Slow Leak Detection: If the change is small, it could indicate a slow leak.

3. Know the Visible Signs

It isn’t always a wet floor that indicates a leak. Consider these clues: 

• Damp Spots: Look for unexplained damp or wet spots in areas on walls, ceilings, or floors. Plumbing runs through an entire house, so leaks don’t always occur at the obvious locations like sinks and toilets.
• Mold and Mildew: Check for mold or mildew growth in places that should be dry.
• Stains: Water stains or discoloration on walls or ceilings can indicate a leak.
• Peeling Paint or Wallpaper: Bubbling or peeling paint can be a sign of water damage.
• Under-Sink Leaks: Inspect cabinets under sinks for dampness or water stains. Grab a flashlight and look to the back and in the far corners.
• Appliances: Check under washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters for pooling water or rust.

4. Listen for the Sounds of Water

• Running Water Sounds: If you hear water running when all taps are off, it might indicate a leak. Tune into the sound of the toilet after flushing it. Do you still hear the sound of it filling?
• Dripping: Yes, a leaky faucet in the sink or shower is easy to identify, but listen closely in areas where pipes are hidden, like behind walls.

5. Smell for Musty Odors

• Musty Smell: A musty or damp smell in a room or area might indicate water accumulation from a leak. Don’t fall prey to the trick of masking an odor with candles or air fresheners. Seek the help of a professional if you can’t find the source of the musty odor.

6. Conduct a Dye Test on Toilets

• Toilet Leaks: Add food coloring to the toilet tank and wait 30 minutes without flushing. If the color appears in the bowl, there’s a leak.

7. Use a Moisture Meter

• Measure Moisture Levels: A moisture meter can detect higher levels of moisture in walls, ceilings, or floors, indicating a possible leak. There a variety of moisture meters on the market, at a range of prices. We found several between $8 and $65 at WalMart.

8. Inspect the Foundation and Exterior

While we don’t provide foundation or structural services to homes, it’s important to rule out your home’s exterior as a source of leaks.

• Foundation Cracks: Check for cracks in your home’s foundation or exterior walls where water might seep in.
• Gutters and Downspouts: Ensure gutters and downspouts are clear and direct water away from the foundation.

Residential Services  Commercial Services

Water Leak Detectors for the Home

You may find peace of mind with a home water leak detector. These small devices can be placed throughout the home to detect the presence of water where it shouldn’t be. Common placement for leak detectors are near water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, or in basements.
There are a number of brands of detectors on the market, ranging from basic sensors to more technologically sophisticated systems (think smart home integration). A basic sensor is battery operated and will sound an alarm when water is detected. An enhanced version will connect to wi-fi and send alerts directly to your phone.

Leak Detectors on Amazon

Herbein Plumbing Professionals Can Help

If you suspect a leak but can’t find it, give us a call. We have extensive experience in leak detection and will provide timely repairs. Detecting a leak early can prevent significant damage and costly repairs, so regular inspections and monitoring are key.

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