What's the one thing more stressful than finding a water leak in your house? Having a leak and not knowing it's there.
Water damage is one of the most dreaded home repairs to make and for good reason. It can cause untold damage and be a health risk. It can rot wood, rust metal, damage drywall, and it can also
lead to mold.
Even non-destructive leaks must be addressed. A trickle of water will cost you over time, to say nothing of the wasted water.
That's why it's so important to catch leaks before they grow. Keep reading for 5 ways to find and repair hidden water leaks in houses.
1. Keep an Eye on Your Water Meter
The quickest assessment you can do to check for leaking water is to monitor your water meter. Get a meter reading and then avoid using any water for a few hours. Check it from time to time to see if there's been a change. The sooner you notice a change, the larger the leak.
2. Check Around the Tub
One of the most common areas to suffer from unwanted moisture is around the shower and bath. It's not uncommon for water to escape, slowly seeping into the floor.
Over time this can cause vinyl floors to start lifting or loosen tiles. If moisture gets into the subfloor it can lead to rot. When this happens, the entire floor of the bathroom will need to be replaced.
Run the shower and splash the water to see where the water is getting out. If there is a leak, make sure that the frame of the doors is properly sealed and that the doors close properly.
If you use a shower curtain, make sure it's closed at both ends.
3. Test the Toilet
The water tank on the back of a toilet is a
common culprit when looking for leaks. Add a few drops of food coloring and give it several minutes. If you see the food coloring leaking into the toilet bowl it's time to get to work.
It's likely that the toilet flapper needs to be replaced. You can pick up a new one at the hardware store and replace it.
4. Check Around Your Sinks
It's rare for a pipe to start leaking on its own. Typically, leaks occur anywhere water enters or exits.
Check your
basins and sinks for any signs of leaks. A dripping tap is easily fixed with new washers. Plug the drains and fill them with water. See if the water level lowers over time.
Check underneath vanities and counters with sinks and test any connections for moisture. If you find evidence for
drain repair, start by tightening the nut. If water can still escape, shut off the water and replace the valves.
5. Monitor Your Property
If you notice any part of your property seems to be consistently damp, or you see signs of water running off the driveway or sidewalk, you may have a sewage leak. Even a dark spot on a driveway can reveal an underground leak.
In these cases, you'll need to contact a professional. They'll have the tools and experience to discover where the leak is and fix it.
Final Thoughts on Water Leaks in Houses
Few things can cause as much damage like water leaks in houses. Given time, water can destroy almost anything, leading to expensive repairs. Catching a leak before it causes problems will save you time, money, and grief.
For more ideas on keeping your home safe and sound, visit our
home care blog.