How To Handle a Suspected Water Leak

Homeownership is often synonymous with the American dream. Unfortunately, this dream can quickly turn into a nightmare with one burst of a bathroom pipe. Leaks, though troublesome and often destructive, are a common problem experienced by most homeowners. Several steps are crucial to diagnosing and repairing a leak before it causes more damage to your home than necessary. Read on to learn the essential steps in determining what to do if you suspect a leak and how to handle it once confirmed.

Diagnose the Leak

Leaks are often relatively easy to diagnose. Perhaps you notice water dripping from a pipe under the sink, or maybe unwanted fluid appears below the refrigerator. In these scenarios, the water can be traced to a single loose channel or faulty appliance, making the leak simple to identify. A plumber would have no problem diagnosing these leaks over the phone and could likely repair them in a simple housecall.

Other times, leaks are much more challenging to locate. If you notice peculiar water spots on the ceiling or detect an unidentifiable soggy area on your floor, a larger problem might exist.

Often, tiny, invisible leaks occur behind the walls of a home. These undetectable leaks are highly concerning. Frequently, by the time they’re detected, they have presumably already caused significant plumbing damage. Large concerns of invisible seepages include internal plumbing destruction and mold growth requiring mold remediation. These types of leaks require professional consultation immediately to prevent further impairment.

Look for Signs 

Though referred to as invisible leaks, these seepages often expose themselves in a variety of ways. Always keep an eye on your monthly water bill; a higher than average rate could indicate a leak somewhere in your home. Do you know how to locate your water meter? To avoid catastrophe, familiarize yourself with this tool. Always pay attention to your water meter, as anything indicating above-normal usage may be the result of an undetectable leak.

Take some time daily, and carefully listen to the noises around your home. If you hear running water when you shouldn’t, call a plumber immediately. Further, puddles of water that appear seemingly out of nowhere may also indicate an invisible leak, and you should report them at once.

Establish There Is a Leak 

If signs point to an invisible leak, your first step is to turn off the water in your house. From there, check your water meter, and locate the built-in leak gauge. This feature alerts homeowners of a leak, so familiarizing yourself with the gauge now will prepare for a potential future emergency. If the indicator moves when the water is off, you most likely have an invisible leak. To confirm the seepage, leave the water off and recheck the meter in one hour. If the gauge continues to move, you have confirmed your suspicions.

It is important to point out that standing water in your home does not necessarily confirm a leak. If puddles remain despite an unwavering water meter, chances are the seepage is not a result of a plumbing issue. In this case, check your hoses and appliances for water leaks. These mechanisms malfunction often, but they are much simpler and more cost-effective to repair than internal plumbing problems.

Find the Leak

The majority of water leaks occur in one of several locations including sinks, toilets, showers, and faucets. Listen closely to all of these common areas, as the sound of running water could point to the offender. Leaky toilets are especially sneaky, as their water runs on and off, so listen carefully in each of your washrooms. If your toilet bowl sounds like it is filling up without recent flushing, this could indicate the need for a plumber.

If the usual suspects seem to be in working condition, take a walk through your house, and look for wet or soggy floors, rugs, walls, or ceilings. Again, your sense of hearing is most important when detecting a water leak, so be sure to listen carefully for dripping or trickling sounds. These noises can lead you to your leak, allowing you to get help fast!

Sometimes a leak is undetectable by the naked eye and takes a bit of detective work to locate. If there are areas where a leak is suspected but not confirmed, use some detective work to validate your suspicions. Locate a towel or tissue, and place it on or under the space in question. Check the material over a few days, and if it appears wet or soggy, you know where to direct the professional. However, if it is dry, the leak likely resolved itself. Regardless, let your plumber know if there is water seepage in question. Providing him or her with the full scope of your dilemma will help with the problem diagnosis.

Call a Plumber

Leaks, no matter their size, can be incredibly damaging to your home. If you locate a leak or suspect you have a water seepage anywhere in your home, it is crucial to call a plumber immediately. Professionals are very experienced with such issues, and they can resolve your leak quickly and efficiently. Though this type of home repair can get costly, the longer you wait, the more damage the leak can do to your home and bank account. For these reasons, always schedule a diagnostic visit with a plumber if you suspect a water seepage. Even if a plumber is hired and finds no leak exists, it is often worth the housecall for the peace of mind it provides the owner.

Homeownership has its disadvantages, but it is usually worth the risk. Home prices typically appreciate over time, making them valuable assets. That said, protect your home well by taking the time to assess its problems. When it comes to water leaks specifically, always be aware. Regularly watch out for any indication of a leak, and get help immediately if you suspect one. Promptly taking these steps can save your property from excess damage, and it can save you money in costly repairs.