Hello, my name is Lelani O’Malley. Welcome to my website about keeping your plumbing system in great shape. When I bought my first home, I was shocked to learn that it was built in the early 1900s. Another shocking discovery awaited as I learned that the plumbing system remained from its original build. Upon learning those facts, I dedicated my time to learning how to keep that system in great condition. I developed this website to bring that knowledge to you as well. I want to help all my readers maintain their existing plumbing system for years to come. Thank you for coming by.
How Can You Figure Out If Your Home Has A Leak Or Not?
If your water bill has skyrocketed or you are seeing wet spots on floors and ceilings, you may be wondering if you have a leak. Thankfully, there are both DIY and professional methods that can help you figure this out—take a look.
DIY Methods
You'll want to check for a leak during a time of day when no one is showering, cooking, watering plants, or doing any kind of activity that uses water. Once you make sure no one is using your home's water for any kind of activity and shut off your home's main shut-off valve.
The next step is to look for your property's water meter. Many water meters are located near an outside stop tap, or stopcock. These stop taps and meters are usually hidden with a plastic or metal cover.
Once you've located the water meter, take a look at the leak/low water indicator. These are often circular shaped or triangular shaped symbols in the middle of the water meter. If the leak/low water indicator is moving, it's likely you have a leak.
To double-check this assumption, you'll want to write down your water meter's reading and then check back a couple hours later to see if the reading has changed. Again, make sure no one is using water during this time or you'll get an inaccurate reading. If no one has used the water and the water meter's reading has changed, a leak is probable; you'll want to contact a plumber for some more help.
Professional Methods
If you aren't quite sure how to read your water meter or a low-water indicator, it may be best to just have a plumber come out. Your plumber will usually start off with a basic visual inspection. He or she may look for areas of mildew or warped flooring. He or she may also use special tools to listen for dripping sounds of a leak through the walls and flooring.
Some plumbers can also attach a camera to a cable and send it down a drain. This is a great way for your plumber to inspect your interior piping without having to rip up your home's structural components. Whatever the method, your plumber will be able to narrow down the source of the leak so it doesn't damage your home and your utility bills any longer! You shouldn't wait very long to contact a professional if you suspect a leak. Leaks that go unchecked can make your home unsafe to live in, since mold can thrive and cause respiratory issues and since leaks can make your home structurally unsound.