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5 Ways to Find a Plumbing Leak
If you're like most homeowners, you probably don't think about plumbing leaks until there's a problem. And by then, it's often too late and you've already incurred expensive water damage. The good news is that plumbing leaks are often easy to detect if you know where to look.
In this blog post, we will discuss five ways to find hidden plumbing leaks in your home. Stay dry and save money by reading on!
Take a Closer Look at Your Water Bill
Small increases on your water bill like a few dollars shouldn't alarm you of any leaks with your plumbing. However, large increases that go into the double, or even triple digits by the dollar are a major red flag.
We suggest contacting your water company to confirm the amount on your bill first, and if necessary, contact a local plumbing company to check for leaking pipes. Leaks can be found in the yard near the water meter, so looking for signs there such as greener patches of grass or puddles will also indicate the need for a plumber.
Keep an Eye on Your Water Meter
Sometimes, looking at only your water bill for a leak isn't enough, you have to take it a step further and keep an eye on your water meter. Watching for changes with your meter will give you a definite answer as to whether or not you may have a leak.
If you have a mechanical meter, check the leak indicator to see if it is moving. If your meter uses digital readouts, take note of the numbers at regular intervals like once a day or every few hours. Check for changes between these times to determine if there's a plumbing leak.
A plumber will be able to find any leaks around your water meter and make the necessary repairs so that your home is safe and dry again.
Check Your Water Pressure
If all of a sudden your shower feels like it's spraying needles instead of water, or your sink is producing a trickle rather than a stream, that's an indication that something is amiss with your plumbing. Most homes have water pressure between 40 and 60 psi (pounds per square inch). If yours falls significantly below or above this range, it is likely due to a plumbing leak.
Listen for the Sound of Running Water
This one is pretty self-explanatory - if you hear the sound of running water when all the faucets and appliances in your home are turned off, there's a plumbing leak somewhere. The sound is usually most prominent at night when everything is quiet, so do a walk-through of your home before bed to see if you can pinpoint the source of the noise.
Feel for Warm Spots on Your Walls or Floor
If you suspect there may be a plumbing leak behind your walls or under your floorboards, touch these areas to see if they feel warm or damp. These are telltale signs that water is leaking from pipes and causing damage to your home. And remember, the longer you wait to contact a plumber, the more home repairs you may need depending on the extent of the damage.
Get Leak Detection With Nuckols Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
Plumbing leaks can cause serious water damage to your home if they're left unchecked. Use these tips to help you find hidden plumbing leaks before they cause havoc in your life!
Don't let a hidden leak ruin your humble abode! Nuckols Plumbing, Heating & Cooling offers leak detection services to help give you peace of mind. We use the latest technology to locate plumbing leaks quickly and efficiently. Contact us today at (804) 214-2077 to schedule a consultation!