How to Detect a Water Leak in Winston-Salem

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Winston Salem understands water leaks can cause significant damage, both to the structure of your home and to your wallet. Waiting too long to address them can worsen the problem, making it even more expensive. The first sign of a water leak in your home may be a stain on the ceilings, floor, or walls. However, in some instances, the signs might not be so obvious. A professional plumber can tell you what to watch when looking for signs of a possible water leak in your home.

Perform Water Pressure Tests

One way to detect water leaks in your home is to perform a water pressure test. To do so, simply turn off all the faucets in your home and measure the water pressure. If the pressure reads much lower than it should, you may have a water leak.

Perform a Water Meter Test

Another way to detect water leaks in your home is to perform a water meter test. Start by turning off all the water in your house. Is your water meter still moving? If the meter continues to move, even when all the water has been turned off in your home, you most likely have a fast-moving water leak somewhere in your plumbing system. You can also wait a few hours and test it again. If a significant change is noted while the water is turned off, you might have a slower leak.

Check Appliances for Leaks

Water heaters can often fail at the point where water enters and leaves the tank, usually at the upper portion of the heater. Failures can be due to high pressure. You can also assess the pressure relief valve for leaks.

Check for leakage or standing water around your washing machine and dishwasher along with your hot water heater, as these appliances can also be prone to water leaks.

Look for Leaks in Your Toilets

Toilets are a common cause of household water leaks. Because they are connected to waste pipes and placed on higher floors in your home, they are most prone to causing significant and extensive damage.

However, detecting a leaky toilet can be simple. Place a bit of food coloring in your toilet’s tank. Don’t flush. Instead, wait a moment and watch the toilet water in the bowl for any changes. If colored water leaks into the toilet bowl, there is a leak between the tank and the bowl.

Additionally, you can inspect the ceiling directly below the toilet for any wet spots or staining that may indicate leakage you cannot see.

Listen for Running Water

In some cases, there might not be any obvious signs of leakage, like stains or standing water. Instead, you can listen for running water. This sound might come from behind walls or beneath floors where pipes are located.

Look Over Utility Bills

If your water bill has suddenly spiked without an explanation or changes in your daily habits, your home might suffer from a water leak. Collect a few months’ worth of previous bills and compare them to your current statement. You can also compare them all to each other to see if there is a gradual yet continuous increase you might have missed.

Call a Plumber if You’re Unable to Find the Location of the Leak

If you suspect a leak in your home but have been unable to find it yourself, it’s wise to call a plumber. They’ll know how to identify the cause and repair leaks quickly and effectively.

Professional Plumbing Services from Mr. Rooter

When a water leak occurs, you need someone with professional experience to address and repair the root issue causing the leak. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, our plumbers have the licenses, education experience, and customer service skills needed to perform effective repairs.

When you have plumbing problems, we are here to help. From water leaks to burst pipes to blocked sewer mains, we are only a phone call away. Contact our office today or schedule an appointment online. We are here for any of your plumbing repair and service needs.