Despite how passive and boring water leaks seem, they should not be ignored. If your kitchen sink is pounding every few seconds, something is wrong. Act as soon as possible to prevent problems like these from getting worse. If you wait too long, they will become more expensive. Additionally, you run the risk of water damage, which would require a costly restoration. Here are some tips from Risk-Free Serv about detecting a leak in its infancy:
Make Sure the Water Meter Is Working
You can check your water meter if you wake up one morning thinking you have a leak. Turning off the main valve and all water-consuming appliances like washing machines and dishwashers is the best way to discover if something is wrong. It is best to call a plumber if you notice any change on your meter after waiting a few minutes. Recheck your meter after a few hours and if you see anything, act immediately.
Keep an Eye on Your Monthly Bill
You can also monitor your water consumption and bills if you suspect a leak in your house. Compare your bill records from four to five months ago. In cases where you notice a significant increase in water consumption over a short period of time and you do not know your water consumption has increased, you can proceed with the investigation. This method isn’t 100% accurate, but it gives you an idea of what the problem might be. When homeowners don’t know where their water pipes are, especially if they’re not proficient, it’s common not to find them. If the numbers are off, you should contact a plumber. A leak may be coming from underground pipes you cannot reach. Plumbers have the training and equipment necessary to investigate your home thoroughly and find leaks.
An ill-functioning Garden Hose
You should have your irrigation system checked by a professional now and then, especially at the beginning of every season when you use it actively. Leaks can occur outside your home as well. Typically, exterior faucets don’t last very long due to being exposed to elements. This means they are more likely to leak or break. Puddles of water in the yard may indicate a leak.
You Can Try Food Coloring
Water can be wasted if your toilet malfunctions. To ensure you’re not dealing with a leak, color your toilet tank with food coloring. Let it sit for 30 minutes, and then recheck your water tank. If the colored water remains in the tank and none of the colored water goes down to the toilet, you can conclude that your toilet is not leaking. This trick is not too reliable, but it’s pretty efficient for a surface-level checkup before you call a plumber.
Having Regular Checkups Is Important
Home inspections are vital for preventing significant breaks that will require expensive repairs. Whenever you smell mold, it usually means you have a leak somewhere because mold prefers dark, humid environments. Preventing or reacting to something fishy is always easier and cheaper.
Older homes with old plumbing still need a thorough inspection by a professional, even if everything seems to be in order. A simple replacement today could save you a lot of money later on.
Preventive maintenance costs less than repairs that waste money and time. Checkups require less money and time, so preventative maintenance is always preferable to repairs.
