Active leaks not only cause high-water usage bills, but can also create a great deal of damage to your home, which can cost you thousands in repair expenses. A vast majority of leaks occur at or near plumbing fixtures like toilets and sinks, but sometimes leaks can be hidden deep within the walls of your home. As a home owner it is very important to know the signs of a potential water leak. Listed below are some signs to help you determine if you have a potential water issue:
1.An Unexpected Increase in your Water Bill.
- An unexpected spike in water usage could be an indication that water is continuously running somewhere within your home possibly due to a leak. Keep in mind, statistically people use more water during the summer time than in the winter season. So, a hike in your water bill does not always designate you have an issue, but you should monitor continuous pay periods.
2.Water Leaks at the Toilet.
- Toilet leaks can waste hundreds of gallons of water and often times go unnoticed. Even a small leak can easily add up to a lot of wasted water and money over time. If you suspected a leak with your toilet after reviewing these diagnostics, we recommend having a licensed plumber further review and/or repair the issue.
- Running Toilet Investigation:
- To help determine if your toilet is leaking or continuously running, simply remove the tank lid and add a few drops of food coloring into the water (or dye tabs acquired from any hardware store). Wait about 30 minutes, without flushing, and see if any of the color has seeped into the bowl. If you see coloring, this is a strong indication that you have a leak.
- Flapper Valve Check:
- The most common reason for a leaking toilet is an improperly working or sealing of the flapper. The flapper is the rubber valve in the bottom of the tank that lifts up when the toilet is being flushed. You can view the flapper by removing the lid of the back tank. If the flapper is worn or cracked, this can allow for water can continuously flow from the tank into the bowl and should be replaced.
- Flush Handle Problem:
- If you have to jiggle the flush handle in order to stop the toilet from running, the flush level bar and chain or the handle, itself, maybe sticking. Sometimes adjusting the handle’s securing nut can fix this issue, but if the problem continues the assembly may need to be replace by a licensed plumber.
- Running Toilet Investigation:
3.Dripping Faucets.
- Slow dripping faucets at the sink, shower, or tub can cause serious water waste. Leaking faucets are generally a result of a worn rubber washer located under the handle. If you find a faucet in your home which leaks/drips water, we recommend having a licensed plumber further evaluate the issue and fix the leak. Stopping dripping faucets can save you a great deal of money over time.
4.Checking Your Water Meter.
- Viewing your home’s water meter can help determine if a leak is present in your home. This method is especially helpful for determining if there is a hidden leak within the home. Once your water meter has been located view the leak indicator valve. Make sure no water is being currently used at the home, both outside and inside. If the leak indicator is moving during this time period, this can indicate a possible leak somewhere in the home.
Please note these items listed are just some indicators of a possible water leak, and are not absolute confirmation of a water issue within your home. If you do suspect an issue is present in your home, contact a licensed plumbing company for further evaluation.