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Drip, Drip, Drip...... How to Find a Water Leak

Did you know that 10% of American homes waste over 90 gallons of water per day?

It's not from watering the lawn or taking long showers. The culprit is an undetected water leak, something that wastes 900 billion gallons of water every year in the US!

Do you know how to find a water leak in your home? Don't wait for a plumbing emergency to happen!

Instead, follow the tips outlined below to hunt down (and fix) water leaks before they cause serious trouble.

How to Find Where a Leak Is Coming From

Some leaks, like a pool that forms beneath your dishwasher, are easy to identify. Others, like a leak hidden behind a wall or underground, may not be so apparent.

If there are visible signs of water or water damage, move the appliance if possible to confirm the source of the leak. If you can't pinpoint it, turn off your home's water valve for a few hours and measure the results on your water meter. If the meter reading has changed, you have a hidden leak.

How to Tell If You Have a Water Leak Underground

Your first sign of an underground leak is a higher-than-average water bill. Compare your water bills from the past few months to see if there's a steady increase.

You can also monitor your water meter or analyze your overall usage. A family of 4 should use no more than 12,000 gallons of water per month. If your usage is higher than that, a leak is probably to blame.

How to Find a Water Leak in Your House

Use a flashlight to examine the pipes and fitting beneath your sinks. Clear out the cabinets and examine the bottoms and walls for any signs of moisture, mold, or mildew.

Examine the flooring around all appliances that use water, including your dishwasher, refrigerator, and toilets. Warped flooring or "spongy" spots could indicate water damage underneath.

To check your toilet bowl for a slow leak, add a few drops of food coloring to the back of the tank. Wait 30 minutes (no flushing) to see if any of the coloring creeps down into the bowl.

Walls and ceilings can also provide clues about a hidden water leak. Look for stains, discoloration, warping, or peeling paint that could indicate a leaky pipe. You might also consider checking the pipes in your basement, attic, or crawl spaces.

Finally, don't forget that not all leaks happen inside the home. Attach a garden hose to your outside spigots and see if any water seeps through the connection.

Water Leak Detection Services

Now that you know how to find a water leak, what's next?

Use the steps outlined above to determine if you have a leak (and where it's coming from). Even if it seems like a minor leak, don't take any chances.

The wise thing to do is contact a plumber in your area for a professional inspection. Water leak detection services can pinpoint and repair the leak before it causes major damage to your home.

Click here to learn more about our plumbing repair services and find a qualified professional near you.

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