Water leaks can create a disturbing situation in your home, leading to costly repairs. More often than not, you have to connect with professional plumbing services that will detect any leaks and optimise your water flow as before.
To avoid these issues, it’s crucial to detect leaks early and take immediate action. For that, homeowners, property managers, or anyone who should be concerned about water leaks must keep themselves updated about the latest water leak detection tools and techniques.
This comprehensive guide is aimed at making you aware of the tricks you can use to detect leaks early so that you can take the necessary steps to fix them and prevent major issues from developing.
Signs of Water Leaks
Sometimes, water leaks can be detected early if you keep track of some signs. Water leaks show signs that you can gauge by simple inspection.
Sudden Increase in Water Bills
If your water consumption has remained the same, but there is a sudden spike in your water bills, it might indicate a leak. The unusual hike in water bills shows that there is water consumption beyond what you are using. A hidden leak can be the cause of it.
Check Your Water Meter
Learn how to check your water meter, which can be a good indicator of water leaks. To perform a water meter check, you need to know how to read the meter. Close all your faucets and other water-consuming appliances, and then check if the meter is running. If the meter is still reading even when there is no water consumption, it might indicate a hidden leak.
Visual Inspection
Regular inspection of faucets, sinks, and showers for dripping water can also be a good way to detect leaks early. Just look for any signs of dripping or flowing water even when the valve is shut, and it may give you enough hints of water leaks in your home.
Toilet Leak Test
This test is also a very simple way of detecting leaks in your toilets. As toilets account for over 30% of water consumption, this test can prevent very heavy damage if found positive. To carry out this test, grab some food colouring and pour it into your toilet tank. Keep it like that for around 30 minutes without flushing. If you find coloured water in your toilet bowl, it’s an indicator of a water leak.
Latest Technology to Detect Leaks
In these modern times, technology has made things much more convenient and easier. Leak detection is no exception.
Thermal Imaging Cameras
Thermal imaging cameras are a great way to detect leaks behind a wall or beneath the floor. While you can try some thermal imaging yourself, it’s best to leave the task to professional plumbing leak detection services. They will use the latest thermal imaging cameras to identify temperature anomalies beyond the walls or floors, which can be an indicator of water leaks.
Leak Detection Devices
Smart water leak detectors are available in the market today. These smart devices can be installed at key locations, and once they detect a leak, they can notify you on your smartphone about the damage. Some detectors even have the ability to shut off valves, thus minimising the potential damage.
Outdoor Leak Detection
Outdoor leaks need a different set of tasks to be detected promptly. Try these tips to detect outdoor leaks early and take the right measures to fix them.
Inspect the Irrigation System
A malfunctioning irrigation system can waste water and cause significant damage to your landscape. So, make sure your irrigation system is running fine; check for leaks and broken sprinkler heads. Inspect and maintain your irrigation system correctly to prevent water leaks.
Pool Leak Detection
If you have a pool in your house, it may leak, and you need to perform a special task to check for any leaks in it. To perform the test, mark the water level in your pool and wait for 24 hours. If there is a significant drop in the water level, it can be a sign of a water leak in your pool. You need to connect with expert plumbing services who will provide optimised Plumbing Services and fix any leak using the right tools and techniques.
How to Prevent Water Leaks
Preventing water leaks is as important as detecting them early. Follow these tips to prevent water leaks, saving you hundreds of dollars you otherwise might have to pay for repairs.
Regular Maintenance Tips
Preventive maintenance is a key way to detect leaks early on and prevent them from growing into major leaks. Make it a habit to inspect your plumbing fixtures regularly. Look for signs of water leaks, including dripping water, loose pipe connections, and any unusual sounds or vibrations indicating a potential issue.
Prepare Your Plumbing for the winters
In the colder months, it’s essential to protect your plumbing from the freezing temperatures. Frozen pipes may burst and lead to significant water loss. Insulate outdoor faucets or water pipes with foam sleeves or towels and use them in areas where the pipes are likely to freeze.
Monitor Water Pressure
High water pressure can put unnecessary stress on your piping and plumbing system, which can lead to water leaks over time. So, invest in a water pressure gauge and use it at different faucets in your home to check the water pressure. If the pressure is constantly over 80psi, consider installing a pressure-reducing valve to reduce the pressure on the faucets, preventing leaks from forming.
Wrapping it up
Water leaks can be damaging and cost you a lot of money to repair. Detecting early can lead to lesser damage and lesser repair costs. Discussed above are the ways to detect water leaks early or prevent them from forming altogether. Follow the tips and maintain your plumbing system correctly to avoid leaks and extend the life of your plumbing system.
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