For anyone that’s ever-seen rain or been through a storm, you are likely familiar with an old problem that has plagued many homes and establishments since the dawn of time. It is natural, and though it may seem small at first- a drop in a pond if you will- do not doubt that it can become a disaster if left unchecked. What do I speak of? It is simple word dear readers: leaks.
You have seen it before in your time: a steady, continuous drop from your ceiling after a hard storm, or an annoying drip from your faucet that refuses to stop. This problem comes from many sources and is appliable to anything with water within it. It is a slight problem, but an annoying one, and if left unchecked, it has the potential to ruin your home from the walls to the piping.
Knowing all of that, how do you deal with it? How do you find it; stop it before it becomes a problem. That, dear readers, is the purpose of this article. So let us go over how to find the leaks within your building- residential or commercial, and how to stop them before they become a bigger issue down the line.
Some Common Signs of Water Leaks
Leaks of any kind are often hidden in plain sight, evading our attention for a prolonged period of time before becoming something major. They can be under sinks, behind walls, in your yard; the possibilities are near endless. Knowing not only what to look, but where to look, can help you find those leaks early, and hopefully put a stoppage (forgive the pun) to those issues. Listed below are some common signs that may signal a leak of some kind within your home or business.
1. High Water Bills
It may surprise you to know that a high-water bill can come from more than just a running shower or a flushed toilet. There could very well be a hidden leak in your piping, causing water to continuously drip and run. If you notice a high bill, compare it with your other ones before. If you notice a significant spike, unless someone in your household likes to be in the shower for hours at a time, chances are you have a leak. A water meter (see more here) is also quite useful for detecting water usage, especially when all other appliances are off.
2. Damp and Wet Spots
If you see a wet spot on your wall or ceiling, you have a leak. Fortunately, this is one of the easier signs to notice. After all, how hard is it to not notice a damp spot on your walls? They will appear discolored; a darker shade than the color around them.
Look for signs of moisture on the walls, ceilings, and floors. In more extreme cases, there can be instances of peeling or bubbling paint beneath the surface. With places that have high plumbing, such as bathrooms or kitchens, the chances for a wet spot can be greater.
3. Mold and Mildew
Fungal matter tends to thrive in damp environments, such is no less the case for mold and mildew. If you see ample signs of in your home, you may be a victim of a leak. This type of fungal growth can be noticed by sight or smell, the former appearing in colors of white, green, or black, or the latter having a pungent, musty smell. Anywhere nearby the leak can cause this growth to spread and can lead to more significant problems down the line like structural damage and health concerns. If you smell or see anything that signals this growth, check behind areas dark and damp where mold can hide, like furniture and appliances.
Tools to Help Find Water Leaks
You can learn more at the site listed here:
https://diyhomecomfort.com/blog/how-to-find-a-leak-underground
https://diyhomecomfort.com/blog/how-to-find-a-leak-underground
Even with these methods in mind, it can become a tedious effort to find the source of your leak. Thankfully, there are tools available to help in leak detection and narrowing the search. Some of them are listed below.
1. Water Meter
A tool mentioned earlier, a water meter, is an effective device for locating water leaks. To use one is a simple task and can help you find even the smallest leaks in your household.
⦁ Turn off all water: Make sure no water is being used inside or outside your home.
⦁ Check the meter: Find your water meter, which is usually found near the front of your property.
⦁ Wait and recheck: After around an hour, recheck the meter reading. If the numbers have changed, you will have a leak.
2. The Dye Test
With how often a toilet is used, it can discretely waste gallons upon gallons of water because of potential leakage. A dye test can see if this is the case, and it is also a simple method to use.
⦁ Add dye: Put a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank.
⦁ Wait: Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes without flushing.
⦁ Check the bowl: If the dye has seeped into the bowl, there is a leak.
3. Infrared Cameras
Infrared cameras are a great asset to finding hidden leaks in places you cannot see directly, like behind walls or underneath floors. What makes them so effective is their means to detect differences in temperature, which can indicate where water may be leaking.
⦁ Scan the area: Point the infrared camera at suspected areas of leakage.
⦁ Look for cool spots: Water leaks often appear as cooler areas on the thermal image.
4. Moisture Meters
Moisture meters can also effectively find leaks behind unseeable areas, confirming the presence of accumulating water. Using one of these is fairly simple.
⦁ Select the area: Identify where you suspect a leak.
⦁ Insert the probe: Place the meter into the material (wall, floor, etc.).
⦁ Read the results: The meter will give you a moisture level reading. Elevated levels indicate a possible leak.
Conclusion
Finding water leaks early is crucial to save money and avoid major home damage. Above we listed some of the many methods to help stop these leakages. Once you find one, act fast; shut off valves, search for mold growth, check water bills, and if needed buy the tools to help find its source. Early detection and prevention are your best defenses against costly repairs and water waste.