Helpful Water Leak Detection Tips

Owning a home comes with some major responsibilities, and one of the ones that often gets overlooked is leak detection.

Most people are so busy with work and family and their lives that it’s easier to take an “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it approach” to home maintenance.

But the truth is that a little preventative maintenance can save you tons of headaches and cash.

Today we’re going to talk about the importance of water leak prevention, and give you some tips about stopping, finding, and fixing leaks.

Why You Should Care: The Detrimental Effects of Water Leaks

Anybody who’s ever been to or seen a picture of the Grand Canyon will understand the true impact of water.

While there's nothing quite so powerful as the Colorado River in your house, the water coming into and leaving your home can still damage the surrounding structure.

Unnoticed or unaddressed water leaks can lead to a number of problems, and the longer the leak goes unfixed, the worse the problems will get.

Here are a few of the most common problems associated with water leaks:

• Flooding
• Rust
• Burst pipes
• Mold
• Rot and deterioration
• Warping and bulging
• Low water pressure
• Expensive water bills

How to Find the Source of a Leak

When you suspect you might have a leak in the house, the first step is to locate the source.

If you want to find out for sure if there's a problem, check your water meter, wait two hours (make sure no one uses the water), and then check the meter again.

Did the meter change? If so, it means you have a leak.

Start by checking easy-to-see areas like faucets, toilets, and visible pipes. If you don’t find a potential leak, move on to appliances that use water. Look for drips, wet spots, and signs of moisture.

Then, check your walls, floors, and ceilings for wet spots, mold, heaving/bubbling, and damage. Finally, go outside and check your yard, driveway, and other areas around your house for puddles, dark spots, and signs of wetness.

Preventative Maintenance for Leaks Around the House

Of course, the best way to prevent water damage and expensive repairs is to take steps to prevent leaks.

It doesn’t take long, but it does require that you go around the house regularly looking for problems.

You may think it’s an unnecessary hassle, but the amount of money you can save by preventing leaks is astonishing.

During your rounds, check all the same places you inspected to find the source of the leak.

Take care of any small drips, eroding or rusting pipes and fixtures, and other potential problems immediately.

Other ways to prevent leaks and water damage is to make sure you properly maintain all your appliances, water heater, sump pump, septic tank, plumbing, and anything else that uses water.