Water leak detection is a service provided by just about every reputable plumber, but it’s also something you as a homeowner should keep in mind throughout the year. Even the smallest water leaks can end up costing thousands of dollars in excess water usage and water damage, so it makes sense that you’d want to pay attention.

If you suspect there may be a water leak in your home, there are a handful of different ways you can detect it, so you can call for professional attention and prevent any further damage. Here are a few things you can try:

Use Your Water Meter

Your water meter can be a useful tool for home water leak detection. First, make sure there no one is using water inside or outside of your house. When you are sure that no water is running, check your water meter to see if it indicates the water is moving through the meter. Depending on your model, it could be a silver rotating wheel or small triangular dial. If it’s moving and no water is on, there’s a decent chance you have a leak. You can also record the numbers on the meter and wait for an hour or two and see if the reading has changed. If it is higher and no water was used, you may have a leak.

Check Your Bills

Your water bill can also help with water leak detection. If your water habits haven’t changed over the course of a few months, but your bill seems to be getting higher and higher, then you may have a leak somewhere. Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. Some of your pipes are underground, so detecting a leak can be challenging. But even if you can’t see it, you will eventually pay for it, so checking your bill is a good idea.

Food Colouring in Your Toilet

 This is a common way to find out if there is a leak in your toilet tank. You can test for a leak by adding just a few drops of food colouring to your toilet tank. Wait for around 10 minutes to pass, and then check the bowl. If you see any food colouring in the bowl, then water is flowing from the tank to the drain without even flushing the toilet. 

Pay Attention for Common Signs of Leaks

There is a common sense element to water leak detection, too. Obvious signs of moisture like damp floors or carpets, patches of mold or mildew-like odours in your home are likely telling you that there is a leak somewhere. If you notice any of these signs, call for a plumber to check it out as soon as possible. You might need professional help if your home is more than 25 years old and has original plumbing.

Look Outside Too

Faucets that are on the exterior of your home can also leak and cause your water bills to rise. Be sure to check outdoor spigots and look for any leakage if you have a water hose attached. It’s usually a simple fix of replacing the gasket, but it can make a big difference. Soft or soggy ground around your home can also indicate a slab leak that requires immediate attention.

Let New Technology Help

Today, there is technology that can help with water leak detection, so you don’t need to worry about it. You can purchase a handful of different smart devices that will detect water leaks in your home. Some will even notify you when they have detected a leak and shut off the water to prevent further issues.

If you’d like to learn more about water leak detection, or you’re interested in a water leak detection system for your home, get in touch with us at Marco Plumbing today.