Obvious water leaks are easy to spot. You see the puddle of water under the kitchen sink or on the basement floor. That alerts you to the leak, and most of the time, you can look at the nearby pipe and see where it is leaking. But the leaks that should be the most concerning to homeowners are the ones that are concealed or hidden. These are the leaks that could potentially cause thousands of dollars in water damage. And create health issues for you and your loved ones before you even know they exist. However, if you know the following tips, you can regularly check for the costly and dangerous hidden leaks.
The Water Meter Test
The most efficient way to check for a water leak inside your home is called the water meter test. The process is simple but will confirm without a doubt if you have a leak somewhere in your home. The first step is to locate your meter and ensure that it is functioning. Most meters will have a tiny triangle that spins to indicate there is water moving through the meter. If the unit is digital, the reading will increase as you use more water.
Make sure that there is no water being used in your home. That means no faucets, washing machine, fridge water dispenser, or the auto-fill on any appliance. Next, note the reading on a digital meter or the reading of your standard meter. That reading on the meter should remain static for 30 minutes while no water is being used in your home. If the digital meter increases or you see the tiny triangle turning on your meter, there is a water leak somewhere after your water meter.
In most cases, that could mean inside your home or outside. But there is a leak. And it is time to call in a professional plumber to locate and repair it.
Lesser-Known Indications of An Indoor Water Leak
After years in the business, most plumbers know the list of tell-tale signs of a water leak. But they are not always willing to share that treasured information with homeowners. But you can keep these in mind when you think that you might have a water leak hidden somewhere in your home.
- Water corrosion or calcium buildup on plumbing fixtures
- Discolored water
- Drains that are slow to clear or regularly become clogged
- A strange or unpleasant odor coming from drains, pipes, or plumbing fixtures
- Loss of water pressure or volume
Lesser-Known Indications of An Outdoor Water Leak
Keep these signs in mind if you suspect that you have a water leak outside your home.
- A shift in the soil or a washout at the edge of a paved surface
- Dense grass growth in a small area
- Excessive insect activity in a small area of grass
- A sour or rotten smell in a small section of grass or plants
When you are looking for an outdoor water leak, remember that there are many pipes that could be the culprit. A large or significant amount of standing water would indicate a water line that is constantly pressurized, such as the supply line to your house, the mainline in an irrigation system, or the water line running to a pool or spa autofill.
If the leak is in the sewer line running from your home to the city sewer system, you are more likely to notice the foul smell than the moisture. And a washed-out area in your grass that does not appear moist could be a leak in a sprinkler system lateral line. After the water turns off, the line will drain rapidly, and you will not be able to locate the leak as easily.
For most homeowners, the water meter test is the most useful leak detection technique they will ever use. Locating the source of a water leak can be very challenging unless you are a trained professional. So when you think you have a water leak at your home, the best solution is a call (214) 388-4525 to schedule a leak detection appointment with the professionals at Metroplex Leak & Line.
