How to Find Property Leaks

What Are Invisible Leaks?

Plumbing leaks aren’t always obvious. While water damage on the ceiling is easily visible, pipes can crack in multiple areas of the property. The plumbing system is already compromised if there is a small leak behind the wall or a cracked pipe underground. 

A Sudden Spike in the Water Bill

Large cracks from significantly damaged pipes cause the water bill to increase dramatically over the course of one month. This is usually a noticeable surprise that can cost hundreds of extra dollars. If the pipes are not immediately fixed, flooding inside the home can occur. Although this can happen in any household, small leaks are more common.

A small leak causes the water bill to rise more gradually. If homeowners are unaware of their monthly expenses, they may not even notice the increase. Unfortunately, small leaks can still cause major damage. If the crack is not repaired, water will damage the plumbing system.

A slow faucet leak can equal 30 gallons of water daily, which is expensive and wasteful. As the leak worsens, water damage can cost thousands of dollars from moisture warping the floors and walls. A trained plumber should examine the issue when any water leak is noticed.

Water Leak Detection for Beginners

Even if the leak isn’t visible, it can still be detected using other senses. Reduced water pressure is one sign because the speed of water flow through the pipes changes when there is a crack in the plumbing system. As a result, less water reaches the shower nozzle as some of it escapes into the crack.

If the leak is large enough, a faint dripping or gushing noise may be present. This can be heard when standing near the damaged pipe. Sometimes, this means the leak is somewhere behind a wall, while other times, it can be heard below the kitchen or bathroom sink. If there is a loud crash or banging noise after flushing, homeowners must call a plumber before this worsens. 

Moldy smells mean water damage has already occurred. If there is a leak, the smell is usually strongest in the bathroom or basement. Mold is not only expensive to remove, but it can cause respiratory issues and allergic reactions. If the leak is inside the walls or ceiling, water will need to be professionally removed for the safety of the household. Water leak repair services have the equipment necessary to remove toxins safely. 

Professional leak detection involves using a small device that can identify cracks inside the piping. Licensed plumbers usually use them to find damage deep within the plumbing. For underground leaks, a detector helps prove the problem. 

How to Tell for Sure

Using a water meter to find hidden leaks is one of the most effective methods. A water meter tests the flow of water to see if there are any changes in the plumbing system. Although homeowners cannot see the actual leak, they can see whether the water has been altered by any cracks. 

Before locating the water meter, homeowners will need to turn off all water fixtures in the home. This includes the dishwasher and washing machine. The leak detector is usually found in a gray metal box at the very edge of the property. 

Water meters measure the flow of water in cubic feet. If the meter is older, it will have a dial with an asterisk inside. If the asterisk is turning, this means there is a leak. Newer water meters have a digital display. If the flow rate is zero, a leaking pipe is unlikely. A trained technician will know how to interpret flow rate so that leak repair can be handled correctly.  

About Scott Plumbing

Scott Plumbing was voted by Nextdoor as a Neighborhood Favorite in Huntsville, AL. They achieved this accolade by providing homeowners with fast and friendly service while providing long-term plumbing solutions for homeowners everywhere. For expert water leak detection services, call Scott Plumbing today. 

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