5 Effective Ways To Detect A Leak

When your home suffers from water damage, avoid waiting for a plumbing leak to surprise you. Be proactive and prevent your home from water damage.

Leak detection is the best method to halt leaks in their tracks and protect the house. We’ve put together these five useful tips because we understand that it’s not always easy to find leaks before they become a problem. Pay attention to the advice provided below to prevent leaks from causing damage to your house.

Check your toilets

Checking your toilets should be your first priority. Your homes’ toilets consume a lot of water. Water usage increases even more when there is a leak in a toilet. The first step in finding a leak in a toilet is to open the tank behind. Pay attention to any hissing sounds. Try using your ears to find the leak if you hear a hissing sound. 

Fill the toilet tank with red food coloring if you don’t hear any audible hissing. It will only take a few drops to add color to the toilet bowl. Wait for a few minutes and inspect the toilet bowl. If the water in the bowl turns pink, it means there is a leak in the toilet. Usually, this is the result of a flapper leak. Make sure you inspect every toilet in the same manner.

Check the hot water tank

Now, check the pressure release valve on your hot water tank. It may be difficult to find a leak if this valve is located inside a drain. To locate the leak, remove the drain pipe. If you are unable to remove the drainpipe, pay close attention to the same hissing sound you heard coming from the toilets. If you find a leak in your hot water tank, you should get in touch with a licensed plumber. Searching for sitting water close to the hot water tank’s bottom is another method of looking for leaks. Additionally, look for moisture on the discharge tube’s bottom. 

Check the hose bibs

At this point, you should also inspect the hose bibs outside your home. The majority of houses have one in the front and one at the back. However, to be safe, make sure there are only two in your house. Once it’s located, use a screwdriver to align the metal component with the hose bib’s metal section. Next, take the knuckle on your thumb and insert it into the screwdriver’s opposite end. Put your ear against a knuckle. It functions much like a stethoscope. You will be able to hear leaks that are not readily apparent. Apply this to every hose bib that is outside. 

Check all other leak points

Your house and its surroundings contain a large number of additional leak points. Examine each showerhead for any leaks. You will notice dripping coming from it if there is a leak. Examine every faucet in the laundry room, bathrooms, kitchens, and bathtubs. If you suspect a leak in a faucet but can’t see it, you can use the same screwdriver method that was used for the outside hose bibs. A worn-out rubber washer is typically the cause of a leaking faucet. Normally, the washer is found beneath the handle. It’s not too difficult to replace the rubber washers if you have the right tools. If you are unsure, speaking with a qualified plumber is a smart idea. You should also inspect your swimming pool for leaks. 

For further help you can consult the renowned plumbers in Dumfries, RT Plumbing.