Detecting a pipe leak in your home can be very difficult. There are pipes running in your walls, floors, and even under your lawn. Leaks can occur anywhere, at anytime, making them hard to find. Even potential leaks are dangerous. Water damage can cause costly, destructive results and conflict with the other functions in your home. Protect your home, and wallet, by educating yourself on how to detect a leak in a pipe and prevent potential leaks.
Signs That Suggest You May Have a Leak In Your Home
- Your water bill is higher than usual, even though you have not changed your water usage or habits
- There are visible signs of water damage or areas that seem damp
- You can see mold or smell mildew
Simple Test for Leaks
Although you may not be able to immediately detect a leak, there is a simple test you can perform to check if there may be a leak. First, turn off every appliance in your home that uses water (including ice makers). Next, check the reading on your water meter and write down the current number. Don’t use any water in your home for a couple of hours, then re-check the water meter. If the reading has changed while your water usage was terminated, then you most likely have a leak!
Fixing Your Leak
If you know you have a leak, but are unable to detect the source of the leak, then you should call a plumber immediately. ACE’s expert plumbers can help locate leaks, even ones you didn’t know you had! If you want to take action in detecting future leaks, you may want to consider installing water sensors in your home that can control your home’s water usage when irregularities or leaks are detected. Water sensors are often expensive and may not be the right fit for your budget. A viable alternative to this is simple: pay attention! If you notice any of the signs that suggest leaks be sure to take action. And remember, you can always count on your friends at ACE!
