The water supply line that enters your home is typically “metered,” so you can be accurately billed. It can be pretty expensive to fix a line leak. However, if you attempt a few easy methods, you can find even the most minor leak and avoid an unpleasant surprise from your utility provider. Here are some things you can try to fix before consulting a plumber if you’ve been informed of a leak.
Check Your Water Meter
Finding a leak in your plumbing system might be difficult, but checking the water meter is one of the easiest ways to find out. First, you’ll need to shut off your home’s water supply. You should turn off the washing machine, the dishwasher, and other water appliances.
Next, you should check the meter to determine if it is moving. It’s a sign of a fast-moving leak if it occurs. If the needle doesn’t move right away, give it two hours. If it’s different now, even if the water’s been turned off, the leak may trickle slower. After the meter, the leak may be anywhere; it could even be underground. The homeowner is responsible for all plumbing after the meter.
Water Pressure Test
Checking the water flow in your house is another method for locating concealed leaks. To determine the water pressure, turn off every tap in the place. If the water pressure suddenly drops, the problem may be a leak. Checking for fissures in the flooring and walls should help.
Fortunately, some indicators can help you pinpoint where the leak is coming from. Pigmentation or water stains on walls could indicate a water leak below the sheetrock.
Walls that are buckling or have paint that is leaking or flaking may also be the source of your leak.
Check Faucets
Faucets are a typical source of water loss, especially from the rubber washer. Under the cover, packing nut, and valve stem of the faucet is where you’ll find the rubber washer.
If you know what you’re doing, changing silicone washers is a simple DIY project. If you want to stop the water flow, do it either at the main shutoff valve or the sink’s shutoff valve. The gasket can then be accessed by removing the faucet’s handles. The screw, stem, packing nut, and O-ring are within the faucet’s handle. These parts must be taken out before you can access the washer.
Check Furnaces
If you don’t take care of a water leak in your home quickly, it will create a mess and promote mold growth. Verify whether your heating system is working correctly or not. If not, find out, why is furnace leaking water? Condensation forms due to the emission of exhaust gases from a stove. Condensation forms on the PVC pipe must be removed by either directing the water into a clogged drain or using a condensation pump. When condensation is not able to dry up, a water leak develops.
Dye Test the Toilet
If you haven’t found any pools of water near your appliances or fixtures, you may want to get the toilet looked at, as this is a common source of hidden leaks. Over time, the rubber flapper might dry out and allow water to leak from the bowl into the tank.
You should get some food coloring and place a few drips in the tank of any toilet in the home. Color will develop in the water within five minutes if the toilet tank leaks. A plumber should be called if there is any discoloration in the bowl, but the homeowner can easily replace the flapper with essential tools.
