When you have a leaky appliance or pipe in your home, this problem should be addressed as soon as possible as leaks can lead to water damage, mold and other issues. However, it is not always easy to determine whether or not you have a leak if the source is not visible. If you suspect that you might have a leak somewhere in your home, here are some tips to know about leak detection.
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Keep an Eye on Your Water Bill
One of the first ways to detect a leak that might not be obvious is by watching for an influx in your water bill. If you know what your bill typically looks like each month but have noticed a dramatic increase, chances are that you have a leak on your hands.
Do a Meter Check
If you want to detect any issues with leaks quickly, your water meter should be able to show you what is going on. First, start by turning off the dishwasher, faucets and washing machine, so no water is being used. Read the numbers on your meter, and check back after an hour or so just to see if the numbers have changed.
If so, this is a clear indication that water is leaking somewhere either in or around your home. Try shutting off the main water valve, and wait for an hour or so before reading the meter again. If the numbers remain the same, then you most likely have a leak somewhere in your home and should call a water leak detection company right away.
Leaks Around Your Home
If you have a septic tank, like with any other piece of equipment, these tanks can run into problems and sometimes leak. One way to know that your septic tank might be leaking is if you notice that the grass closest to the tank is more lush and even greener than the surrounding grass. This could be an indication that there is a leak underneath and around that particular area.
Finding the Source of the Leak
If you find that there is some sort of leak inside of your home, start by checking underneath your cabinets, behind the washing machine or anywhere else where there is a water line. Your goal is to see if you can spot any pools of water as that would indicate that there is a leak in that area.
Wall Discoloration
Depending on how the pipes in your home were installed, you might need to pay attention to your walls in order to detect any leaks. Because certain pipes run behind the wall, one of the first signs of a leak in that area would be an obvious wet spot or water stain. You might even notice a yellowish hue to the area of the wall where the pipe has begun to leak.
Strange Odor
If your leak is in an area that is hard to see, you might still be able to detect the leak with one of your other senses. When water has been sitting for some time, you will notice a strange smell that could be either musty or even smell like mildew. When this is the case, it is imperative that you have a professional come check it out right away as mildew and mold can cause serious health issues.
Leaks, whether inside or outside your home, should be taken seriously and addressed as soon as possible. You don’t want to end up getting water damage as it can lead to wood rot and other issues that can cost you an arm and a leg to repair. If you suspect that you have a leak, it is best to have someone come out promptly rather than wait until the problem has grown.
