2 Ways to Find a Leaky Pipe
- Written by Samantha Ball
There are many ways to find a leaky pipe that is wreaking havoc on your house. However, those ways can mainly be separated into two different sections. These sections are finding water leaks without a water meter and finding leaks with the help of a water meter.
It is good to know how to find a water leak both ways in case you ever run into any plumbing problems at one point or another. If you are wondering whether or not you may have a leaky pipe, here are two great ways to find it. Let’s take a look!
How to Find Water Leaks
While some leaks can be obvious to you right away, others may not be. The best way to find them is to listen to and implement the information below.
Finding Water Leaks Without a Water Meter
Finding leaky pipes as soon as possible is crucial to the longevity of your home. When left undetected, your leaky pipes can cause chaos in your home and mess with its stability entirely.
If you think you may have a leak, look out for things such as:
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* The sound of running water even if there is no water running
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* You notice a random warm spot underneath your concrete floor
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* Your water bills spike over time
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* Walls or floors with obvious wet spots
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* Bad smells
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* A change in your water meter even when water is not being used
By keeping an eye on these things, you can ensure that your house is leak-free. Your first step should be to look for any obvious leaks such as toilet or faucet leaks which run rampant in homes worldwide. You can detect these simply by listening or looking for discoloured flooring.
You can also perform a food colouring test to see if your toilet is leaking. It is fairly easy and straightforward.
Finding Water Leaks with a Water Meter
The next best way to find leaky pipes is to take notice of your water meter. Leaks can be hard to detect at times, but your water meter is one of the best ways to find a leak. It is a good indication that a water leak is your issue, too.
Use this guide to find a water leak:
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Write down your water meter reading
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Avoid using any water 1-2 hours
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Write down your water meter reading afterwards to see if water has been used.
Your water meter should be able to indicate a hidden leak if you haven’t used water. Your leak could be underground and impossible to find.
How to Fix a Leak
While leaks may seem simple at first, you need to be wary. They’re often far more trouble than they seem. Severely damaged pipes may need replacing which is why you need to contact a plumber.
The Bottom Line
If you think your home may have fallen victim to a leaky pipe, ensure that you contact a reliable plumber right away.
