Not all water leaks are obvious. Although you can easily notice a dripping tap or a visibly broken pipe, many water leaks can happen inside your walls that are not apparent until it’s almost too late. Every now and then, you should spend some time checking every water source in your home to ensure that it is working properly and there are no signs of a leak.

You may think that you will not be able to do this on your own if you’re not a professional plumber. But don’t worry. In this article, we will show you everything you need to know about checking your water sources and inspecting them for possible leaks.

How to Find a Water Leak

There are two ways to find water leaks, according to Central Coast plumbers: with a water meter, and without a water meter.

Finding a Water Leak without a Water Meter

Here are some important points to keep in mind as you search your home for water leaks:

• * Most of the time, water leaks will be quiet, but there are moments when you will actually hear drops of water leaking inside your walls, which will indicate that there is a leak going on somewhere.

• *If you can hear water flowing somewhere, but don’t have any taps switched on, you may have a water leak. In this case, make sure to follow the sound. Some leaks will require a licensed plumber to clear, so make sure to ask for help if you ever need it.

• *If your water meter shows water usage, but you aren’t using water, there is a possible water leak somewhere.

• *If your water bill keeps climbing for no obvious reason.

• *If you notice wet patches on your floor or your walls.

• *If something smells funny, but you haven’t spilt anything, it may be a sign that a water leak has caused mould to grow.

• *If your concrete floor feels warm to the touch, there may be a water leak underneath it.

Finding a Water Leak with a Water Meter

The humble water meter can show you a lot of things about the water sources in your house and if there are any problems. In fact, you can easily use the water meter in your home to find water leaks. Here’s how you do it:

• *Choose a time when you will not need to use water in your house and write down the water meter reading.

• *Don’t turn on any water in your home for several hours.

• *Check the water meter a few hours later and see if the reading has increased.

If the water meter reading hasn’t moved at all, then you probably don’t have a water leak anywhere. However, if the reading has increased, there is definitely a leak somewhere you need to find and check out.

Some leaks can be seen with a quick check of your visible pipes, while other leaks may be underground and require a professional.

How to Fix a Leak

Some leaks will not require a professional plumber. For example, if there is a leak on the pipe underneath your sink, you could simply tighten the pipe or purchase a new one and quickly replace it.

Similarly, if your cistern leaks, you could replace the small parts on your own and stop the leak that way. However, if you are unsure of what you’re doing, it’s always best to hire a professional to get the job done.

Conclusion

If you suspect that there might be a water leak in your home, it’s best to turn off the water supply right away. If you can fix the problem on your own, great! However, if you suspect that it is something more serious or don’t know the location of the leak, always hire a professional plumber to do the job for you.