Plumbing leaks can be extremely costly, not to mention inconvenient. A leaky faucet, for example, could waste gallons of water over the course of a couple months, with your monthly water bill suffering the consequences. It’s best to call a professional plumber to repair any leaks that may be occurring. However, in the meantime we’ve shared some action steps below for you to find if you truly do have a leak and to find where it is coming from.
The Meter Test
Locate your water meter, usually found in front of the house inn a covered box near the street. Write down the numbers indicated on the meter, and then do not use any water in your home for 30 minutes. At the end of that 30 minutes, return to check the meter reading and see if the numbers have changed. If they haven’t, you don’t have a leak in your pressurized water system. However, if they have, you may have a problem such as a running toilet that needs to be repaired.
The Dye Test
If you suspect a toilet leak, you might be able to detect it by simply listening for a hissing noise and following the sound. However, if you notice no noise but still suspect a leak, you can add a dye tablet to the toilet’s tank (not the bowl). Wait a few minutes, and then if you see coloring in the bowl, you have a leak in the flapper at the bottom of the tank allowing water to seep through.
Checking Outside
Unfortunately, many leaks are hard to find. This is especially true for leaks that aren’t obvious, such as those coming from a dripping sink or shower head. If you suspect for any reason that you have a leak and you can’t find the source indoors, then be sure to check hoses, taps, and drip irrigation systems outside. In many cases, it’s hard for a typical homeowner to detect where a leak is coming from. The good news is that a professional plumber can not only detect the leak but repair it and prevent it from occurring again.
For plumbing services in Cincinnati, OH, contact Ken Neyer Plumbing, Inc. today.