In the modern era, we often talk about optimizing the use of natural resources, so it is essential to start from home. where we should detect a water leak and fix timely. Water leaks can cause wastage of water and can be expensive.

Water leakage is the flow of water through the system or material from which it should not flow. You can come across different kinds of water leaks in your daily life. You will notice some leaks quickly, while others are challenging to observe. It would help if you attended all of them to prevent the consequences.

Significance of Detecting Water Leaks

One aspect of looking into the water leaks is the wastage of water which is an invaluable gift of nature. Water leaks are culprits for a large portion of wasted water around the globe.

Another aspect of looking at the water leaks is the increase in the water bill and the cosmetic damage to your building. The water bill will disturb your financial setup when water drips out unnecessarily. The leaking water will also damage your structure and cost you big time.

Five Ways to Detect a Water Leak

It is crucial to detect a water leak at the early stages. You must know some primary indications that water is leaking at your home. These indications are explained in detail in the subsections to follow.

Check Your Water Meter

One fundamental test everyone can perform is detecting a water leak from the water meter. You need to shut off the main valve and isolate the plumbing system. Make sure no faucets, showers, or sinks are running.

Take readings of the water meter. Since you are not using water in your building, If the meter is still running, it indicates a leakage. Take the meter readings at different sample spaces to validate the leakage hypothesis.

Check the Toilet

Toilets are the most probable station of leaking water. Therefore, if you are sure there is leakage at your connection, start checking from your toilet. You only need a small amount of toilet leak detection dye and basic plumbing skills to perform the following steps:

Remove the cistern lid
Put a small quantity of dye into the cistern.
After half an hour, check the bowl. If the dye has reached the bowl, it indicates a leakage.

After performing this test, you can decide whether the toilet is running or not. If the toilet tank is leaking water, you should check the washers and valves of the tank. Call a professional for technical assistance.

Observe

If your pipework is external, you can observe water dripping from the pipe, joints, or valve seats. If the pipework is inside the walls, under the floors, or in the ceilings, you cannot visualize the water leakages at the initial stages.

However, you have confirmed from the tests that there is a leakage that is not in your toilet. Then, you will shortlist some of the likely stations of the culprit. Your kitchen, bathroom, ceilings, and walls are the points from where water can leak.

Test: There is a simple test, and that is to listen to the hissing sound of water around these mentioned places. You will find the leakage point. If you still cannot locate it, call a professional.

Damp Smells

As said in the previous subsection, observe your surroundings, and if you feel any of the following signs, you have to worry because water is leaking into your building.

Dampness around
Molds are growing on the carpets. Typically molds grow on the carpeted side on the opposite side of a shower or bath.
If you notice water stains on the plaster walls, it is possibly due to leakage. The leaking water or moisture will cause stains on the walls. The magnitude of stains is directly proportional to the intensity of leakage.
Puddles of water anywhere around your home.

You should call a professional immediately as you observe any of the above signs.

Water Ponding Around

Different parts of our homes need a water supply. The tank or storage of water is in one place, so water travels to various parts via external or internal pipework. Pipes are everywhere, from the central repository to your home’s garden, kitchen, and bathrooms.

If supply lines start leaking water, you will feel water dripping and ponding around these areas. If the irrigation pipe going towards your garden is leaking water, you will see water ponding in your garden area. This ponding water is a warning sign because garden areas are often wet. After all, we water the plants.

Test: Turn off the irrigation supply for a few days and observe the garden area nearby. If you feel the water is still ponding around, it indicates a leakage.

Fixing Water Leaks

Here are some quick ways to fix the water leaks at your home.

Locate the leaking point
If the leakage is in a pipe, apply the plumber’s putty or clamp to the leaking part. In the worst case, replace the leaking portion of the line.
If the leak is around a faucet, check the washers and O-rings. You may also need to replace the faucet.
Check the valve seat and washers if the leak is around a valve. You may need to replace the valve.

Conclusion

Homeowners must know how to detect a water leak in their home. Water leaks are easier to handle, and they worsen with time. Water leaks will increase your water bill and damage your building cosmetics. Observe your surroundings and check the indications of water leakages. If you feel any of the symptoms, call a certified plumber to fix them.