Simple and Effective Water Leak Detection Guide for Homeowners

Mowing the lawn, replacing roofing shingles and washing the siding are necessary for maintaining your home. It is also important, however, to reduce water waste by completing a water leak detection. Unfortunately, most homeowners do not realize the costs associated with even small leaks. Considering the average household leak can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water waste annually, you must find and repair these costly and wasteful leaks. Here are a few simple steps to detect a leak in and around your home.

Toilets
Many leaks are occurring in the toilets of your home, but you may not know the signs of these leaks. Remove the lids from the toilet tank and listen for any hissing sounds. Hissing is a common sign that there is a leak somewhere in your toilet’s working mechanisms.

If you do not hear any hissing sound, place a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. Wait a few minutes and check the toilet bowl. If color is flowing into the toilet bowl, the toilet flapper most likely has a leak and needs to be repaired or replaced.

Water Heater
Locate the pressure relief valve on your water heater. This valve is usually directly connected to your main drain. The pressure relief valve will allow a few drops of water to leak from the water heater, as a cautionary measure. If you hear a loud hissing sound and see puddles of water under the water heater, you most likely have an underlying leak in your plumbing that should be addressed.

Faucets and Showerheads
A continuous dripping of water from a sink faucet or showerhead may not seem like an issue, but the water waste can add up. Not only is this dripping annoying and wasteful, but it can increase your monthly water bills over time.

Never ignore a dripping faucet or showerhead, especially since the problem is usually a simple fix. Replacing a worn washer or installing a new fixture can conserve water while saving you money.

Meter Line
You should also check the meter line, which runs from the outdoor water meter to your home. Be sure to shut off your main water supply valve. Then, remove the cover to your outdoor meter. Watch the meter carefully while your water supply is shut off.

If the meter is still turning, there is probably a leak somewhere in the line between the meter and your house. Walk the line to your house and document any puddles or moist, soft areas of your yard. Be sure to notify your plumber of these areas, since the location will require a more involved water leak detection.

Water leaks affect the environment, your home’s construction and your finances. Contact Bird Dog Plumbing in the Longview, TX, area at 903-225-2272 for a detailed water leak detection service.

Water Leak Detection Longview TX
Bird Dog Plumbing LLC
2206 Balsam St
Longview, Texas 75605
903-225-2272