Tips on How to Find Hidden Plumbing Leaks
RH Business Marketing Solutions
Leaks in your plumbing system are not something that you should disregard. Unresolved leaks can increase your water bills and even cause injuries to other parts of your establishment, such as your walls, floors, and even other plumbing structures. Plumbing leaks, unfortunately, are pretty standard, even in new establishments or homes, and each system will likely suffer from at least one. Not all leaks are apparent; they can be insidious, making it crucial to catch and repair a leak as soon as possible. To identify the problem right at its source, here are some tips you can try to identify leaks in your home or establishments quickly.
Search For Significant Clues
Some leaks can be a little sneaky and hard to find. In some cases, the water may be slowly dripping from pipe fittings within a wall and could be unnoticed until it causes extensive damage to different structures. This is why you should always look out for these common clues that are caused by water leaks;
Wall discoloration usually indicates water leaking behind the drywall and soaking through to the outer side. Water stains on walls and ceilings are usually yellowish or brownish. To fix this, you can install ceiling access panels drywall inlay to easily access your plumbing fixtures.
Bulging wallpaper- This can indicate that your wallboard is wet and the paint is no longer adhering to the wall. You may also notice a bulge-like appearance on the wallboard, which means more significant water damage. In this case, your wallboard may need some replacement.
Dripping Sounds- Although some leaks may be silent, there are still some cases where you can easily detect leaks from dripping sounds. This can be an instant indication of the leak's location.
A musty smell- A persistent leak provides the perfect environment for mold growth. You may easily detect black splotches on the external area of your wall, but it is more common for mold to grow on the internal space of your wall. You may detect a musty smell because of the mold and growth.
Check Your Water Meter
One great way to tell if you leak in some parts of your plumbing system is to check your water meter. First, you need to shut off all the water in your establishment or home. Turn off all faucets, and ensure that other appliances are connected to your plumbing. Afterward, watch the meter and see if it still alters. If it does, your plumbing system probably leaks. If the meter does not change right away, wait for at least two hours and inspect. If so, your plumbing fixtures may be dealing with a slower leak. The leak could be anywhere, so make sure you call a professional to check where the leak could be if there are no signs.
Monitor Your Water Bill
If your bill is rising consistently, but your water use habits haven't changed, a leak may be blamed. Gather some of your bill statements from the past few months and compare them to see if there's a consistent increase. Remember that your water bill should remain within the same range monthly. Some of your pipes may be located underground. Therefore, you may have difficulty detecting where the leak is situated. It's best to have a professional plumber thoroughly check all the pipes.
Inspect Your Appliances and Fixtures
If the water meter test detects a leak inside your establishment or home, check the cabinets under the bathroom sinks, kitchen area, and other plumbing fixtures. Check if all these areas are dry. You may also want to look for puddles around the bases of toilets, tubs, showers, and the water heater, dishwasher, and clothes washer. If you find any pools, turn off the water supply valve to that appliance or fixture and call a plumber.
These helpful tips will quickly help you indicate any potential leaks in your establishment. If you notice signs of leaks, it is always best to fix the problem as soon as possible because it can cause more damage to other fixtures in your building or home. Contact your trusted local plumber as quickly as possible to prevent further damage that can cost you more in the long run.
Guest Contributor: Chris Jackson