Finding the source of a leak can be difficult, but it is a necessary task in order to avoid potential damage to your property. It’s important to keep in mind that not all water leaks are plumbing leaks, window or roof leaks can also be to blame.
Let’s look at the best ways to find a water leak!
Signs You May Have A Leak
Some leaks are subtle, but over time they can cause a lot of damage! Here are some clues that you may have a leak in your home:
– Discoloured walls or ceilings. This could be a sign that there is a leak from behind the wall.
-Bubbling paint or wallpaper. These are both signs that the wall is wet and the paint/wallpaper.
-Damp/mould. Persistent leaks can, over time, create a humid environment for mould to grow. In some cases, you might see black spots.
-A musty smell. Mould will often grow inside the wall where you can’t see it, however, you will be able to smell it.
Watch The Water Metre
Monitoring the water metre will tell you if there is a leak in your property or not. Follow the steps below to check your water metre:
1. Turn off all taps and appliances that use water in your home.
2. Make a note of the numbers on your metre.
3. Leave all appliances off for an hour before checking again. If the numbers have changed, there’s a leak.
Watch The Water Bill
Your water bill should be fairly predictable. If you receive one that is unusually high, there may be a leak behind it. Even small leaks, such as dripping taps, can use gallons of water in a year! Therefore, keeping an eye on your water bill helps to prevent any surprises.
Inspect Appliances and Fixtures
If you have an indication that there is a leak inside your home, you should check the kitchen, laundry and bathroom cabinets to ensure they are all dry. Be sure to also look for puddles around the bases of baths, showers, toilets, dishwashers and washing machines. If you discover any puddles, you should turn off the water supply for that appliance/fixture and call a plumber.
Use A Damp Metre
If you have noticed damp patches on the walls or ceiling in your home, you can confirm this with a damp metre. A damp metre is an easy way to test the walls for dampness, simply stick its prongs into the wall for a reading. Alternatively, you can also use a hygrometer, this tests the moisture content of the air in a room. This will tell you if condensation is behind the damp patches as opposed to a leak.
Using these steps should help you to locate leaks in your home. Once you’ve located them, don’t be tempted to ignore the problem! Leaks never resolve themselves and they can potentially cause a lot of damage.
If you need further help with your plumbing and drainage, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
