Planning on having a full house soon? To keep everything running smoothly and avoid plumbing surprises, now is the time to check for leaks around your home. Tackling these issues early can save you stress when guests arrive. Here are several tips to help you get started.
Keep an Eye on Your Water Meter
One of the easiest ways to detect a hidden leak is by monitoring your water meter. First, turn off all faucets and appliances, then check your meter. If the low-flow indicator is still moving, you have a leak.
Check Your Water Bill
An unexplained rise in your water bill may be your first indication that something is wrong. Even a slow leak wastes significant amounts of water over time (leading to higher charges). If your water bill keeps rising without a change in usage, you might have a problem.
Conduct a Water Pressure Test
A water pressure test is a useful way to determine if there’s a leak in your home. You can buy a water pressure gauge from a home supply store. Make sure all your other faucets are turned off, and then screw the gauge tightly onto an outdoor spigot before turning it on. Ideally, it should read somewhere between 40 and 80 PSI (pounds per square inch). Any lower than that indicates a leak.
Check Your Toilets With a Food Coloring Test
Toilets are often responsible for hidden leaks in your home. To check, you can use a simple food coloring test. Remove the lid from the tank and add a few drops of food coloring or a dye tablet. Don’t flush, and wait for 15 minutes. If you see colored water in the bowl, you have a leak. Be sure to flush the toilet afterward to avoid staining.
Look for Wet Spots
Check your walls around your kitchen, laundry and bathroom areas. If you can see visible dampness, water stains or discoloration, chances are, you have a leak. Feel around for any soft or wet areas too. Patches of brown or black spots are also signs that you have a long-term leak.
A hidden leak may seem like a minor problem, but it can turn into a big headache, especially if you leave it unchecked until after the holidays. For expert leak detection services and solutions in Montgomery, AL, call the professional plumbers at Alabama Home Pros. We’ll make sure your pipes are in excellent condition so you can focus on your holiday celebrations without the added stress of a plumbing emergency.