Three Clever Ways to Check for a Water Leak

Do you suspect a water leak but don’t see water spraying anywhere? In many cases, plumbing leaks aren’t so obvious. Still, they’re important to catch early. Even small leaks can lead to high water bills, mold growth, and structural damage.

Here are three simple yet effective methods (plus a few bonus tips) you can use to check for leaks before they become a major issue.

1. Check Your Water Meter for Hidden Leaks

One of the easiest ways to identify a hidden leak is by reading your water meter. If you shut off all faucets and water-using appliances in your house and your water meter reading still goes up, you have water leaking somewhere.

Here’s how to find a leak using your water meter:

1. Turn off all water sources in your home, including faucets, appliances, and irrigation systems.
2. Locate your water meter, usually found outside near the curb or in a basement.
3. Write down the current meter reading.
4. Wait at least 30 minutes to an hour without using any water.
5. Check the meter again. If the reading has changed, you may have a hidden leak.

If your water meter indicates a leak, check common problem areas such as toilets, faucets, and underground pipes for further investigation.

2. Food Coloring Toilet Leak Test

Toilet leaks can be one of the biggest culprits of water waste in a home because you don’t notice them until it’s too late. A simple food coloring test can help detect a silent leak. Here is how the food coloring toilet leak test works:

1. Remove the lid from the toilet tank.
2. Add a few drops of food coloring to the water in the tank.
3. Wait 10 to 15 minutes without flushing.
4. Check the toilet bowl. If the water has changed color, there is a leak in the flapper or seal.

If you detect a leak, replacing the flapper or adjusting the fill valve can usually resolve the issue. However, you may want to have a plumber come and take a look to make sure it’s nothing more serious.

3. Inspect Visible Pipes and Appliances for Signs of Leaks

Regularly inspecting your home can help you catch small leaks before they escalate. Here is a list of places you’ll want to check:

• Under sinks
• Around appliances
• Ceilings and walls
• Basements and crawl spaces

Usually, it’s not as obvious as water gushing where it shouldn’t. Instead, you’ll have to look for more subtle signs of water leakage, such as:

• Water stains on ceilings or walls
• Mold or mildew growth
• Musty odors
• Pooling water around appliances or under sinks
• Corroded or rusted pipes

If you notice any of these signs, check the connections on surrounding pipes and tighten any that are loose. If you can find where the pipe is leaking, you can temporarily fix the leaking plumbing with plumber’s tape until a professional can assess the situation.

Additional Ways to Detect Water Leaks

The above methods aren’t the only way to test a water line for leaks. Here are a few additional options on how to find a water leak in your house:

• Listen for running water: If you hear dripping or a continuous sound of running water when no fixtures are in use, there may be a leak inside the walls. Try to identify exactly where it’s coming from so your plumber knows where to begin searching.
• Monitor your water bill: A sudden, unexplained increase in your water bill can indicate a hidden leak. Unfortunately, this doesn’t help much, as you still need to locate where the leak is.
• Check outdoor fixtures: Inspect outdoor faucets and irrigation systems for slow leaks or drips. If water is leaking outside, you might notice puddles in your yard or patches of bright green grass.

Learn more about common signs of a plumbing leak to stay ahead of potential problems.

Can a Plumber Detect a Water Leak? When to Call a Professional Plumber

Yes, plumbers can track down even the most hidden of leaks, especially when they’re behind walls or underground. Call a plumber if you:

• Notice persistent water damage but can’t find the source.
• Have a sudden drop in water pressure.
• Suspect a major leak in your main water line.

You never want to ignore the signs of a leak. Plumbing leaks can lead to mold growth and structural damage, so it’s best to call in a professional to fix your leaking pipes ASAP.

How to Prevent Future Water Leaks

Preventative maintenance, like regularly inspecting pipes and monitoring your water pressure, can reduce the risk of plumbing leaks. It’s also a good idea to replace old plumbing fixtures preemptively, especially in older homes. Just because it’s still working doesn’t mean it can’t fail at any time.

By taking these proactive steps, you can avoid expensive repairs and keep your plumbing system in top shape. But if you do face a leak, our advice is to give Roto-Rooter a call. There are some leaks you can fix yourself, but for complete peace of mind, let our professionals handle the job.

Whether you’re facing a plumbing emergency or just want some routine maintenance, you can schedule your appointment online now.