Leak Prevention and Detection

Water leaks can cause a tremendous amount of damage to your home and belongings if not repaired in a timely manner. Water stains on the ceilings, walls, or floors are usually the first signs that you have a water leak. But what if you can’t see any obvious signs? Here are ways to find hidden leaks in your home before calling for water leak repair.

1. Water Meter Test

One way to find hidden water leaks is to conduct a water meter test. Turn off all the faucets in your home and check the water meter. If the meter is still running, you have a water leak. Although you may not see a change right away in the water meter reading, check again after a couple of hours and compare the readings. If the water meter moved, you may be having a slow-moving leak.

     

Home to Read Your Water Meter

How to read your water meter

2. Water Pressure Test

Another way to find hidden water leaks is to test the water pressure in your home. Turn off all the faucets and measure the water pressure. If the pressure is lower than normal, you may have a water leak.

3. Listen for Running Water

If you can’t see any obvious signs of a water leak, you can listen for running water. Water leaks can sometimes be heard through walls or floors.

4. Check your Appliances for Leaks

When checking for water leaks from appliances, disconnect all of them from the outlet until you find the appliance that has a leak. Water from a faulty appliance might be dripping slowly.

5. Check Your Toilet for Leaks

To check for water leaking from your toilets, drop a little food coloring into the tank overnight. If there’s color in the bowl without flushing by morning, you have a leaky toilet.

     

Toilet Flapper

- How to change a toilet flapper

 

6. Check Your Utility Bills

Your water bill can sometimes give you hints about a possible water leak. If you see a sudden or unusual increase in your water usage, you may have a water leak.

7. Water Drips and Wet Walls

If household members notice visible dampness around your kitchen, bathroom or laundry area, you might have a water leak. Water leaks can cause a mess in your home and allow mold to grow if you don’t fix it in time.
If any of these methods reveal that you have a water leak in your home, schedule a water leak repair with a trusted local plumber immediately to prevent water damage. 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

What are common places to find leaks?

1. In the bathroom
   1. Toilets
   2. Faucets
   3. Showerheads
   4. In the Tub
   5. Under the sink
2. In the Tub
   1. Faucet
   2. Sprayer
   3. Under the sink
   4. Appliances
3. In the laundry room or utility room
   1. Washing machine
4. Basement
   1. Water Heater

How do you find a leak in the wall or ceiling?

You can detect water leaks in walls or ceilings when:

• there are puddles of water near a wall
• there is discoloration in the wall or ceiling
• there is a texture change in the wall or ceiling
• there is a musty smell
• there are signs of mold and mildew
• there are water dripping sounds

What should I do if I detect a leak?

If you think you have a leak or damaged pipe, reach out to our team today at https://www.bwwb.org/reportaproblem

 

How Can I Fix the Most Common Water Leaks?

If you have a water leak in your home, there are a few ways to fix it. Here are several common home water leaks and how you can fix them.

     

Home Leaks

How to handle leaks at home

Dripping Tap: How to Fix?

Drip, drip. What’s that noise from your tap?! Leaky faucets could be caused by different reasons, but wear and tear and debris buildup are the most common.
To fix a dripping tap, switch off the water supply. When you’re ready, open up the tap and inspect the washer. When you notice any debris, you can easily clean them away using a piece of cloth. But when you see that there is already damage to the faucet, it may be time for a replacement. 

Leaking Plastic Water Pipe: How to Fix?

To fix a leaking water pipe, check where the leak is coming from. Turn off the water source, then replace the affected pipe. If you are looking for a quick fix, use tape and epoxy. But if the damage is severe, call a plumber to help immediately. Use rubber and a hose clamp instead to remedy the leak while waiting for the plumber.

Leaking Plastic Water Pipe Joint: How to Fix?

Same as fixing a water pipe, you can fix a leaking plastic pipe joint by checking the source of the leak then turning off the water supply. Then proceed with replacing the affected pipe if you feel competent enough. Use a silicone/rubber repair tape or a repair epoxy for a temporary fix.

Leaking Toilet Bottom: How to Fix?

Leaking toilets are some of the most unpleasant things to deal with, but often there is a simple fix. If your leak comes out at the base or bottom after you flush it, this could mean that the rubber seal on the base has gone bad and tee bolts that keep the toilet in place.
To fix a leaking toilet bottom, you need a replacement wax ring and an adjustable wrench to unscrew and tighten any bolts. But you should never have to deal with fixing a toilet leak. Call in a professional plumber to help.

If you suspect that you may have a water leak, call a plumber for water leak repair before the damage gets any worse.