A water leak is a problem you don't want to ignore. Not only because it can cause you higher water bills, but also because water leaks can damage your home's structure or furnishings. So, as much as possible, you want to address this issue immediately.

Unfortunately, not all leaking pipes are easy to spot — unlike the apparent dripping faucet that keeps you awake at night! Luckily, you can use a few techniques to detect water leaks early.

How to Find Water Leaks

When looking for a leak, you can ask a professional to help you out. Plumbers use sophisticated leak detection technology to quickly identify where the leaking pipes are and fix them. However, you can even identify water leaks in your own home. Here are a few tips for finding water leaks at home.

Without a Water Meter

1. Inspect your bathtub, sink, taps and toilets for signs or sounds of leaks. If you hear a whooshing sound—but none of the windows are open—that's not a ghost! That might be a water leak.

2. Put a piece of toilet paper at the back of the toilet bowl. It should stay dry until the next flush; otherwise, the toilet cistern is leaking.

3. Your hot water system’s expansion valves shouldn’t continually leak water, especially when you haven’t used it for quite some time.

4. Patches of discoloured grass are often an indication of an underground water leak.

5. Disconnect any hose or irrigation pipes that may be connected to your garden taps then check to see if the tap leaks.

Using a Water Meter

Although the water meter can’t help you locate a leak, it is a really helpful tool for working out if there’s a leak in the system.

1. Turn off all taps and any household appliance that uses water such as the washing machine and the dishwasher.

2. Write down your current meter reading.

3. Don’t turn on your water for a few hours.

4. Check your water meter once again. If the number is different from what you wrote down, you've got a hidden leak somewhere. The next step is to find the source.

How to Fix a Leak

Finding leaks is such a satisfying feeling that sometimes you get enticed to fix them on your own. However, it’s not advisable unless we're just talking about replacing a dripping faucet's valve. That you can most definitely do yourself!

For other leaks, such as pipe or sewage leaks, calling a plumber is the best thing to do. This is only because fixing water leaks or burst pipes by yourself may cost you more in the future. By hiring plumbers, you can ensure that they know what they do and can expertly fix the leak. Plus, they can find other leaks you might have overlooked.

Conclusion

Save yourself from possible house damage or high water bills. If you have a water leak at home, immediately call a plumber so they can help you with it.