What to Do If You Suspect a Leak in Your Plumbing System
As a homeowner, it's important to keep an eye out for any potential plumbing leaks in your home. If ignored, these leaks can cause extensive damage to your property and even create health hazards. However, not all plumbing leaks are obvious, and it can be stressful trying to locate the source of a leak.
In this blog post, we have provided a guide to help you identify if you have a plumbing leak, how to find it, and what to do while you wait for a plumber to arrive.
Common Signs of a Plumbing Leak
One of the most common signs of a plumbing leak is a sudden spike in your water bill, without any noticeable increase in your water usage. This typically indicates you have a slow plumbing leak somewhere hidden, such as in your walls, under your concrete foundation, or underground. Another common sign is if you can hear running water but have no faucets or appliances turned on. Damp or discolored patches on your walls or ceilings, mold growth, and a musty odor can all indicate a plumbing leak.
Generally speaking, if you’re concerned you have a plumbing leak, it’s always a good idea to investigate the situation.
How to Find the Leak
The first step to finding a plumbing leak is to turn off all appliances and faucets in your home. Next, locate your water meter and check the reading. Wait for an hour or two, and then check the reading again. If the meter reading has changed, then this is a clear sign that you have a plumbing leak.
Another approach to locating a leak is to inspect all exposed plumbing pipes for any visible signs of damage or corrosion. You can also listen for any hissing or dripping sounds, as this can indicate the leak’s location.
Unable to locate the leak or confirm what is leaking? It might be time to call a plumber and schedule electronic leak detection.
Electronic Leak Detection: The Modern Approach
While traditional methods are useful, sometimes modern technology is needed. Electronic leak detection is a non-invasive method used by plumbing companies to locate the source of a leak accurately. This approach uses devices and sensors to detect pressure, sound, and temperature changes, providing the technician with a clear understanding of the leak’s location. It's essential to uncover the true source of the leak, as often, where you see the leak may differ from where the problem originates.
What to Do While You Wait for the Plumber
If you notice any signs of a plumbing leak, the first thing to do is turn off your water supply and power to any affected areas. Place buckets to collect dripping water and/or redirect and drain any standing water if possible. Once done, give your trusted plumbing professionals at Moe Plumbing Services a call. We will provide you with any further steps needed and promptly arrive to attend to the issue.
Review your homeowners' insurance policy to see if plumbing leaks are covered.
Plumbing leaks can be a nightmare, but they can be quickly resolved with the right approach. Be sure to watch for any signs of a leak, inspect exposed pipes, and seek the expertise of a professional plumbing service.
With Moe Plumbing Services, our electronic leak detection technology can help to determine the exact source of the leak, ensuring the problem is solved quickly and with minimal disruption to your daily routine. Contact us today.