When a water leak goes undetected, it can cause much damage. Water stains identify many leaks, but others are harder to identify. The good thing is that there are several ways to find these leaks, allowing you to do something before the situation becomes more severe.
Check for Drips and Wet Walls
You may have a leak if your bathrooms, kitchen, or laundry room have visible damp areas. Water leaks can result in mildew or mold, which is unhealthy if not resolved in time. Allergy and asthma patients may have severe reactions to mildew and mold exposure.
The mildew and mold can cause an unpleasant, musty smell. These fungi are also very unsightly and require careful removal. The sooner a leak causing these issues gets fixed, the better.
Take a Look at Your Water Meter
Turn off your faucets and see if your meter is still running. When the water is still running, this is a leak indicator. This situation requires prompt attention because your water bill might start running higher.
If you don’t notice any meter movement, wait several hours and check again. Many leaks are slow-moving, and you won’t see movement right away. Slow-moving leaks are hard to detect because visible damage doesn’t always occur immediately.
Keep a Closer Watch on Your Water Bill
Checking your water bill regularly is a good idea if you have a pool or use multiple sprinklers. You might have a leak if there is an unusual increase in water usage. You may want to check out outdoor water fixtures you rarely use, too. Slower leaks from these fixtures might be somewhat difficult to spot.
Listen for Running Water Sounds
Listening to running water can be an effective way of finding leaks. You can hear large leaks through the walls or floor. Use caution while walking if you hear running water through your floor. A leak penetrating the floor can cause soft spots. This might give way and cause injury.
Find Out If Your Toilet Is Leaking
Putting food coloring in your toilet tank overnight is one of the most effective ways to find a leak. You have a leaking toilet if you haven’t flushed during the night and the food coloring is in the bowl.
Toilet leaks require prompt attention. You might have a wet, slippery bathroom floor if the leak worsens.
Water leaks are an inconvenience but are easy to get under control. When you need leak detection services, feel free to contact Frausto Plumbing in Compton, CA.