Let’s face it; water leaks are troublesome. They can cause damage to your home, increase your water bill, and create health concerns for your family due to mould and dampness. These reasons are why detecting, and fixing water leaks is a must. However, how can one find water leaks at home before fixing them or calling in a plumber? Here, you’ll learn how to find water leaks at home and how you can fix some of them yourself.

Finding leaks without a water metre

You can find water leaks by being attentive to your home and by doing routine inspections. Dripping taps will make a sound, and some will show visible signs. Here’s how you can detect water leaks at home without the use of your water metre.

• * Check under your sinks for moisture. This, along with mould and water stains indicates that there is a water leak in your sink.

• * You can detect a water leak in the flapper valve in your toilet by adding a few drops of food colouring to your toilet tank. You’ll know there’s a leak if you can see coloured water in your toilet bowl.

  • * Another way of inspecting your toilets for water leaks is by placing a paper towel at the back of your bowl. If the paper stays dry, then your toilet does not have any leaks.

• * Check the expansion valves located near the top of your hot water system. If the valves leak frequently, it’s time for you to replace them.

  • * Another indication of water leaks in your hot water system is a hissing sound. Listen closely and contact your plumber if you suspect a water leak. After all, plumbers use sophisticated leak detection technology for your pipes and water valves.

• You can check for leaks in your underground pipes by inspecting outdoors. Look for any damp spots and water puddles on your lawn, specifically when it is not damp or raining outside.

  • If you see any patch of grass that looks healthier and greener than others, your pipes may also be leaking.

Finding water leaks with a water metre

Perhaps the easiest and most accurate way of inspecting whether your home has water leaks is by using your water metre. This device measures how much water has flowed through your house’s pipes and water outlets. Water utility service providers use the metre to calculate how much your bill will be for the month.

Here is how you can find water leaks using your home’s water metre.

1. Turn off all faucets, water outlets, and appliances that use water such as the washing machine.

2. Locate your water metre. Jot down the numbers you see on your water metre. These indicate your water usage.

3. Do not use water for an hour or so.

4. After the time you set, check your water metre if the numbers have changed. If so, this means that your house has water leaks. The greater the number, the bigger the leak.

Perform a thorough house and garden inspection to see which water outlets are leaking, or which parts of the house have water damage.

How to fix a leak

Water leaks have varying levels of complication. There are some leaks that you can fix yourself, while others need the help of a professional plumber. Below are examples of water leaks that you can DIY.

• * A leaking toilet flapper valve will require replacement. You can find this valve in many hardware stores and replace it yourself.

• * Leaking faucets are the most common example of water leaks you can fix yourself. A repair usually involves changing the washer.

However, some water leaks are so major that you’ll need the help of a professional. Examples include damaged underground pipes and leaks in your hot water system. Cracked or broken pipes will require a plumber as these need specialised tools and techniques. Severely damaged pipes will need replacing. Always ensure that anyone working on your pipes has a licence to do plumbing work.

Conclusion

Every home, no matter how organised and clean it is, falls victim to water leaks at some point. These may cause damage to your home or even cause health problems to your family. There are several ways to detect such leaks, including looking at your water metre. You can attempt to fix a minor water leak on your own, however, for more severe leaks, you will need to call a plumber. They will use the latest technology and specific tools to make your home leak-free once again.