Water is a vital element in our homes. However, when water isn’t contained safely in a tub, sink, pipe or proper appliance such as a dishwasher, it can make a home messy. Worse is that if it goes to areas that it’s not supposed to, it could potentially damage the furnishings and structure of a home. Unfortunately, plumbing leaks are a common occurrence even in lately build houses, and the probability of a house suffering from one is very high. What makes it worth the attention is the fact that not all leakages are noticeable. In reality, leaks can be unpleasantly sly and thus, it’s important to catch them and repair them as soon as possible. Homeowners should be equipped with basic skills in finding a water leak. You should also be able to differentiate between water pipes and gas pipes in your home. This is very important to ensure that you don’t create any hazard while locating water leaks. Getting your gas piping done by a reputable gas company will prevent any confusion. Use Britainreviews.co.uk to check gas companies UK reviews. From the reviews, you can select reputable gas companies to do the piping for you. Below is a guide that will help you find water leaks in your home.
Check your faucet
For a majority of homes, water leaks are caused by faucets. Typically, the cause is usually a worn-out rubber washer located below the handle. You need to have the appropriate tools to replace the washer. You can then proceed to turn off the water at the cut-off valve. After you’ve turned the water off, to access the gasket, get rid of the handles of the faucet. You can always find replacement gaskets at hardware or home improvement stores, where you’ll also buy the tools needed for the work.
Monitor the water meter
If the water bill increases drastically while your water usage has not increased, that could be a sign of a leak. Ensure that you monitor your water meter closely to detect significant variations. Ensure that even when you are using water outside, such as in the garden, you always turn off the garden hose. Also, turn all the water off, including inside the house and then check the meter. Depending on your meter, check the indicator to see if it’s moving. If you find that even after turning the water off, the indicator is still moving, then this is a sign of a leak. Another option you can monitor the meter with is taking its reading and then waiting for some hours and taking another reading to see if it’s changing. Just ensure that for the period in between the readings, you don’t use the water. This way, you will be able to know in case of a water leak.
Do some visual check
Typically, leaks from plumbing in the walls or ceilings can quickly go unobserved until when it’s too late. One way to ensure that these leaks are stopped before getting out of control is by performing a simple visual inspection. Have a close look at the ceiling and walls in every room. Typically, when there are water leaks, you’ll notice damp walls and ceilings. When left for over a long period, water damage can cause the ceiling to stretch and collapse eventually. Having periodic visual inspections will prevent this.
Watch for greener grass patches
It is almost the dream of every homeowner to have a lush lawn, but if you notice that a particular zone in your yard is greener and has grass growing faster than other adjacent areas, then that’s a sign of a leak in a buried water line. If there’s much water leaking, at times, the ground’s surface will have some puddles.
Stay Alert for leaking signs
Some leaks are pretty obvious. For instance, if an under-sink supply line fitting breaks, typically water comes out in the form of a spray, and it’s immediately noticeable. However, some leaks aren’t so obvious. It is particularly hard to notice the leaks when water leaks are from within the wall pipe fittings. Some water leaking signs to watch out for include;
Discolourations on the wall:
This could be a pointer of water that’s leaking from the wall’s behind and then soaking through to the front side of the wall.
A dripping sound:
Some leaks can be completely silent, such as when water moves along as a wall stud. On the other hand, other types of leaks have some trickling sound which gives one a clue of where they are.
Bulging wallpaper or bubbling paint:
These two indicates wet wallboard that’s making the wallpaper or paint not adhere tightly.
In conclusion, with this article, you have important tips to help you find water leaks in a home.