Plumbing leaks are no fun. What’s more, it’s possible to have a minor leak that goes undetected for a long time. How much damage is done before you realize that your water bill has been warning you for months? One thing is for sure: you need to get that leak taken care of as soon as possible.
Repairing water leaks is a specialty at Beehive Plumbing in north-central Utah. The company utilizes the latest technology to identify problems and make repairs. For example, their techs are sometimes called on to find hidden leaks by using a small video camera that can be snaked through pipes and fittings.
They say property owners can do some basic things if they suspect a water leak. Some of those things are described below. If a water leak is detected, a property owner must then decide between DIY repair and calling in a plumber.
Look for Signs and Symptoms
An unusually high water bill is what sometimes tips consumers off to a potential leak. Upon receiving such a bill, the first thing is to start looking for signs and symptoms. For example, a discolored ceiling directly below the bathroom suggests that either the shower or sink is leaking.
Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of a leak:
- Mold and mildew formation
- Discolored walls and tiling
- Peeling paint or bulging wallpaper
- Consistent dripping sounds
- Sounds of running water or rattling pipes
- Low water pressure, especially in the tub and shower
A major leak is usually identifiable by the sound of running water. Button minor leaks could drip incessantly without you ever hearing a thing. That’s why it’s important to look for visual signs of water damage.
Check the Water Meter
You may be experiencing an exterior water leak in your irrigation system or one of your hose connections. Checking the water meter is a good way to diagnose such a leak. Here is how you do it:
- Make sure all the faucets in your house are closed.
- Turn off the toilet and washing machine water supplies.
- Disconnect any appliances with water connections (like refrigerators).
- Go outside and look at the meter.
If you are absolutely sure that nothing in the house is drawing water but your meter is still moving, the chances are pretty good you have an exterior leak. Now go turn off the water to all your hose connections. If the meter stops running, one of those connections is the culprit. If it continues to run, the leak could be in your irrigation system.
You can use the same process to help uncover interior leaks. Just close all the water connections inside and out. Then open them one at a time and observe what the meter does. The meter will tell you when you find the leak.
When to Call a Plumber
At some point in the process, it might be time to call in a plumber. A plumber is non-negotiable if you try all the tips in this post and still cannot locate the leak. You are probably going to need someone with the camera discussed earlier in this post.
You should probably also consider hiring a plumber if you find the week and determine that repairing it is out of your league. If you cannot make the repair correctly, don’t even try.
Water leaks are no fun. Worse, they can be expensive. So if your water bill suggests a leak somewhere in your system, do your best to find it and have it repaired. Call a plumber if you need to.