Slow plumbing leaks can be dangerous. Putting a stop to leaks before they cost you big time utility dollars and damage your home is a must. With the right knowledge and a small amount of time, you can play detective and save money. Once you find the leak, contact your local plumber to help with an effective fix the first time around.
Detecting a plumbing leak
Some of the most common areas for leaks to occur include toilets, sinks, water meters and plumbing lines.
- Toilets. Remove the tank lid and set it aside. Listen closely inside the tank for a hissing noise. If you can’t hear any noise, try adding a few drops of food coloring into the tank water. Wait a few minutes and look in the toilet bowl for evidence of the colored water. If there’s a leak, it’s likely a problem with the flapper or similar component.
- Water meter. You can check for leaks in the home by testing the water meter. First, turn off the water supply to the home. Find the shut-off valve and close the water supply. Monitor the gauges on the water meter to see if there’s movement. If the gauges are moving, that usually means there’s a leak between the house and the meter or water supply. However, it’s possible that the home’s supply valve could be leaking, too.
- Hose bibs. Testing the hose bibs should be your next step. Most homes have one in the back and one in the front. Use a metal tool and place it on the hose bib’s metal. Put your ear to the other side of the bib and listen for noises. The metal will act as a conductor of noise. Checking each hose bib, you can identify leaks by finding the hose that has the loudest sound. This will indicate that the leak is nearby. If none of the hose bibs emits noise, then move onto another source of the plumbing leak.
- Faucets. Check each faucet and garden hose for leaks and drips. If the aerator releases water when the faucet is turned off, you’ve got a slow leak. Look underneath sink cabinets for evidence of water and a slow leak.
If you’re still not sure where the leak is, that’s okay. Your local plumber will be happy to help you identify the source of the plumbing leak and offer the best course of action to resolve the leak. For answers to your questions, contact the Pink Plumber today.
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