Tips on how to find a leaky pipe
Whether the telltale “drip-drip-drip” can already be heard, or if it’s uncovered during a routine check of the appliances and pipes around the home, finding a leaky pipe is the next most important step to knowing that a leak exists. Putting in a healthy level of good-old-fashioned detective work can help pinpoint exactly where a leak is coming from, which can help diagnose and fix the cause of the leak for good, much faster. To help take the guesswork out of uncovering which pipe is leaky, use these tips, and plug up those leaks with ease!
Start at the Water Meter
This step is about waiting and watching. First, a homeowner will need to turn off all of the water in the house — double-check every faucet, the dishwasher, the washing machine, and showers, toilets, and tubs. Once all faucets are securely shut-off, go out and look at the water meter. If the water meter begins to change without any sources of water running in the home, the most likely issue is a slow leak somewhere in the pipes of the house, potentially underground.
Follow the Paper Trail
Another way to establish that a leak exists is to follow any patterns present in the water bills. Gather bills from several months, and chronologically compare them to see if there is a steady increase in water usage, or more directly, a sudden and dramatic spike in water usage. Because the billing should stay fairly consistent month-over-month, a change could indicate the presence of a leak. Finding the pattern in the bills is a good incentive to call a professional for a routine maintenance visit.
Dyeing to Find the Source
With a quick stop in the kitchen, the fastest way to determine if a toilet is leaking is to put a couple of drops of food coloring into the water in the toilet tank. Once the water is dyed, wait for 30 minutes or so without flushing the toilet, and check the water within the toilet bowl. If the water within the bowl is clear, then water is not leaking into the bowl. However, if the water in the bowl is dyed, then there is a leak somewhere within the toilet.
Follow Your Nose through a Perimeter Check
Conduct a thorough walk-through of the property, being mindful of unusual sights, smells, and feelings. For instance, cracked, warped, or spongy/springy flooring, especially if the flooring is visibly wet, is a sure sign that moisture is present under the flooring. Paying attention to the ceiling in rooms below bathrooms, be on the lookout for brown spots forming, as these indict spots where water is falling onto the ceiling and leaving a stain. In every room, and especially in darker spots, or within cabinets or closets, pay attention for the musky, mildewing scent presenting from the presence of mold. Mold growth occurs from a build-up of moisture in spots with low light, so it’s possible that the smell is easier to detect than the growth itself.
In all instances, once a leak is identified, it’s a good idea to contact a professional for help, and to perform a routine inspection to ensure that the issue uncovered is the only issue present. If you suspect that you have a leaking pipe or appliance in your home, reach out to the experts at Duane Blanton Family Home Services. The licensed professionals at Duane Blanton will be able to quickly assess and repair any leaking issues you may have in your home, and provide you with a thorough report to ensure the leak is taken care of at the source. To schedule service, or for any questions related to leaks in your home, reach out to the certified service experts at Duane Blanton Family Home Services at (815) 781-2567, or setup an appointment online through their convenient online scheduling portal today.
