Tips For Determining Whether You Have A Leaking Pipe In Your Home
If you have noticed a sudden spike in your water bill, you may suspect that you have a leaking pipe somewhere in your home. If so, use the following tips to determine whether or not this is the case, as well as try to pinpoint where the leaking pipe is located.
Assess the Water Pressure for Each Faucet
The first thing you should do when trying to find a leaking pipe is your home is to assess the water pressure for each faucet. If you find that only certain rooms are affected, this probably means that the damaged pipe is located inside your walls. However, if all faucets have low water pressure, this is most likely caused by a busted water main line.
Before you check the faucets, make sure each of them is turned all the way off. Then, go from one to the other, turning each one on to check the pressure, making sure you turn it off before going to the next one.
Check the Water Valves in Your Home
If you find that only part of your house is affected, and before you jump to the conclusion that there is a busted pipe, check all of the water valves in your home to make sure they are fully open. These valves include the ones below your sinks and toilets.
If these valves are fully opened, and you still have low pressure in only one or two faucets, the pipe feeding them may have a crack. A professional will be able to find and fix the broken pipe.
Perform a Test with Your Water Meter
Whether or not your entire house is affected or only one or two faucets, you should still perform a simple test to see just how much water is leaking from your plumbing. You can do this test with your water meter.
First, write down the current usage numbers that are located on the meter, and make sure no water is running your house. Then, leave the house empty for a few hours. Do this test before everyone leaves in the morning to make it more convenient.
When you return home, immediately recheck the numbers before anyone goes into the house. If the reading has gone up, you most likely have a leak somewhere in your home's plumbing system.
If you have confirmed your suspicions that you have a leak somewhere in your home's plumbing system, you will need to have it looked at as soon as possible so that your water bills do not continue to skyrocket and your home sustain water damage. Make an appointment with a residential plumber to have them inspect your pipes, find the culprit, and make the necessary repairs.
