HOW TO DETECT A LEAK IN PLUMBING SYSTEMS
Introduction A leak in the plumbing system is not only an annoying problem, but it can also become quite costly as it can drastically increase the water bill. As well, a small leak that is not repaired promptly can eventually develop into an expensive repair job. To avoid water waste and an expensive repair bill, it is important to know how to detect leaks in the plumbing system. Below is a helpful guide on how to detect a leak in plumbing systems:
1 If you have copper pipes, it is easy to check for leaks in these pipes. When examining your copper pipes, you will be able to identify a leak by a white circle that will have formed around the area of the pipe that is leaking.
2
You can check to see if there is a leak in the plumbing by checking your water meter. Turn off all of the taps and then check the water meter. If the water meter is still moving, this could suggest that there is a leak.
3 There are places in the home that should be checked for a leak. Places to check to see if there is a leak include water dripping around showerheads, a toilet that is constantly running when not in use, water dripping from faucets, chronic sewer backups, foul odors, high water bills, cracked and moist foundation or concrete, moist spots under the carpets, moist or discolored walls, floors, and ceilings, and mold and mildew growth.
4
An effective way to check for leaks in your plumbing system is to perform a silent leak test in your toilet. You can use a red dye from a plumbing supplier or red food coloring. You just have to make sure the water in the toilet and tank is clear. Then, add the dye to the water tank and wait 30 minutes. If the water in the toilet bowl has turned red, then you have a toilet leak.
Conclusion If you do not get a plumbing leak repaired, over time the leak will get worse and you could end up with a big messy repair job, especially if a sewer backs up and spills in the basement, which will end up being very expensive to fix. As part of a home maintenance program, the plumbing system should be regularly leak detection. If you have discovered a plumbing system leak, it is wise to contact a professional plumber who will be able to repair the leak properly and end up saving you much more money than if you had just ignored the leak.