Water Leak Detection – With and Without a Plumber
A water stain on your wall looks bad. However, staining your home’s aesthetics is not the worst of it. Rising utility bills, structural damage, and damaging water pipes that lead to pipe bursts. The earlier you detect and fix the leak, the better you can avoid these plumbing troubles.
In cities like Adelaide, where older homes are common, water leaks silently wreak havoc on your home and wallet if not caught early.
But that won’t be a worry if you follow this guide we have put together to help you avoid plumbing disasters that we have seen our customers lose sleep over. Let’s explore water leak detection signs, tools, and tips.
Signs You Have a Water Leak
For detecting a leak, look for these signs:
Unusually High Water Bills: Do you see an unusual spike in your water bills? Monitor your water bills because it is often the first clue.
Water Stains or Damage: Discoloration, bubbling paint, or warping floors are clear signs there is a water leak that you need to fix or get fixed.
Mold or Mildew Growth: Where there is a leak, mold grows. If you see persistent dampness around your house structure, it may be because of a water leak.
Hidden Sounds: Do you hear running water when your taps are closed? No, it is not some paranormal activity; it means there is a water leak that needs a plumber.
Unstable Brick Paving: If your outdoor brick paving is unusually moist or green, it is a sign that there is an underground leak.
DIY Leak Detection Methods
Water Meter Test
- Turn off all water-using appliances.
- Record your water meter reading.
- Wait 15 minutes.
- Check the meter again. Is you notice any movement, it is a sign of a leak.
Visual Inspection
- Check all visible plumbing connections in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas.
- Look for dampness or water stains under sinks, around toilets, and behind appliances.
- Pay attention to areas around water heaters and HVAC systems with condensate lines.
Toilet Leak Detection
- Add a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank.
- Wait 10-15 minutes. If color appears in the bowl, there is a leak.
Advanced Water Leak Detection Tools
Wi-Fi-Connected Smart Leak Detectors
These devices have a sensor to detect water leaks. You receive a notification when they detect moisture. These sensors are affordable, easy to install, and work well with smart home systems.
Automatic Water Shutoff Systems
Automatic systems don’t only detect leaks, but they automatically shut off your water supply to stop further damage. If you travel a lot, these systems will keep minor water leak issues in check until you return and call a plumber to fix them.
When to Call a Plumber
Getting professional help on time pays off. You may detect and fix a leak yourself, but your basic plumbing skills cannot compete with a professional’s water leak detection expertise and knowledge
Cannot Find the Leak
If you can’t locate the leak despite trying, don’t waste your time and call in a plumber to detect hidden leaks.
Underground Leaks Signs
Leaks in underground pipes, slab leaks, or sewer lines cannot be detected without specialized tools like pipe cameras or acoustic listening devices, which only a plumbing service has.
Emergency Situations
Flooding or harmful structural damage calls for immediate action from a plumber. A water leak left unresolved can corrode pipes and lead to pipe bursts, flooding your home.
How Do Plumbers Detect Leaks?
- Pressure Testing detects drops in pressure to find hidden pipe leaks.
- Infrared Cameras spot temperature differences caused by moisture behind walls or under floors.
- Acoustic Listening Devices simplify the sound of leaking water for accurate location of the leak.
- Smoke Testing and Dye Tracing catch elusive leaks in plumbing systems or drains through non-toxic smoke or dyes.
Why Risk It?
You don’t need a plumber if you detect minor leaks and manage to fix them. However, you don’t know what a plumber knows, that is, if that minor leak is going to be a big plumbing disaster in the future. It is better to get a plumber to inspect the leak and fix it properly for once.
For the stubborn and elusive leaks raising your water bills, you need a plumber to find and fix them before they cause bigger damage.
Is there a water leak ruining your peace of mind? Call Adelaide Plumbers for water leak detection to fix minor or emergency leaks. Our team is qualified, experienced, and has the training and tools needed to tackle minor to major plumbing issues.
