Modern Australian
Men's Weekly

.

Easy Ways you Can Detect Plumbing Leaks in Your House

  • Written by News Co


Every home run on water and as long as it remains container inside of pipes or vessels such as a sink or bathtub, it is not going to cause any damage to your home. The issue is that once that water is leaking out of a pipe or other area of your home, it can become a real problem, especially if it goes where it should not. This can happen, even if your home is new, and most homes will deal with at least one serious water leak at some point. Leaks are not always easy to discover, but it is very important to detect a leak, no matter how small, and deal with it as quickly as possible. There are many ways to detect leaks, here are a few very good ways:

Monitor your Water Meter

If you think that there is a leak somewhere, watch the water meter in your home. You will find the meter under a large manhole sized cover near the street or on the back or side of your home near the entry point of the home. Next, you will need to turn off all water faucets and any appliances that consume water. Note the numbers and then re-check in a few hours. If the numbers have changed then you have a leak. Next you will need to determine if the leak is inside or outside of your home. You will need to shut off the main valve for your water supply and then check the water meter again. If the numbers do not change then the leak is inside of your home. If the numbers have changed then the leak is in the water line that leads up to your home.

Examine Fixtures and Appliances

After you conduct your water meter test and discover a leak inside your house, you should look below appliances, cabinets and sinks for leaks. Check bases of toilets, showers and tubs as well as your dishwasher, heater and washer. If any puddles are discovered, then you will need to turn off the water supply to any fixture or appliance that is leaking.

Watch Your Water Bill

Water bills should be similar month to month. If you find that your water bill is suddenly quite high, and you have not used too much water the previous month then there is probably a leak. Small leaks can waste a lot of water annually, so it is important to keep an eye on your water bill to notice any increase in your consumption.

Are There Green Patches on Your Lawn?

If you discover an area of your lawn that is particularly green, then the rest of your yard then this could be an indication where an underground water line is leaking. If the leak is heavy, then you may notice puddles in the area too.

Test Your Toilet with Dye

If you have not found any puddles near appliances or fixtures, then your toilet might need repairs. The flapper in the toilet tank can break down over time and allow water to trickle from your toilet tank into the toilet bowl. Add a few drops of food colouring into the toilet tank and if you see that colour in the bowl then you probably have a leaky toilet tank. Replace the flapper to resolve the issue.

Keep an Eye out for Clues to Leaks

If your sink line breaks and the water starts to spray out of it, that is an obvious problem, but most leaks are a lot less obvious. Water can start to leak without being noticed until damage is quite serious. Sometimes water meter tests do not indicate a leak, but one can develop at any time so watch out for the signs which include:

  • Bubbling paint or bulging wallpaper are signs that the drywall is wet, and the paint and wallpaper are no longer sticking to them. If the drywall is wet, it may need to be replaced.

  • If water is leaking above, then you may find water stains on walls and ceilings and these are brown or yellow in colour. Discolouration is a solid sign of leaks.

  • Musty smell – constant leaks provide the ideal environment for mold to grow and once that occurs, you might see black spots or splotches on the walls, but the musty smell is an indication that the mold is inside your walls.

  • Dripping sound – if you hear water dripping then you may find a leak and if that is occurring then it can mean a larger problem such as a burst pipe.

These are all signs of a leak but not all water leaks are issues with plumbing. There can be water that is leaking from a roof or through a window. Leaks need to be dealt with immediately so that you can reduce the damage that is caused to your home and lower the risk of water damage.

If you suspect that you have leaky pipes or appliances, it is a good idea to contact a professional plumber who can then take a look for you and immediately repair any problems that are causing damage to your home. If you have left any water issues to carry on for any amount of time, they can become quite expensive as they develop and evolve.

Image from Refined Plumbing

Social Media: Is It Increasing Rates of Anxiety and Depression?

In today’s connected world, social media has become an integral part of daily life. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook offer opportuni...

Preventive Maintenance Tips for Hydraulic Equipment

Hydraulic equipment plays a crucial role in industries ranging from construction and mining to agriculture and manufacturing. Whether it’s powerin...

Choosing the Right LiDAR System for Your Project

When planning a project that relies on accurate spatial data, selecting the right LiDAR system is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make. ...

The History of Craft Beer: From Monasteries to Modern Breweries

Craft beer has a rich and fascinating history that stretches back centuries. What we enjoy today in trendy taprooms and bustling breweries is the re...

How Natural Pearls Shaped Trade Routes and Global Economies

Throughout history, natural pearls—those rare, untamed treasures formed by nature itself—have exerted a powerful influence on trade networks, po...

How To Choose The Right Insulation For Your Space

Selecting the appropriate insulation for your home or building is a critical decision that affects comfort, energy efficiency, and present and future ...

7 Best Things to Do in Beaufort, Victoria

Beaufort is a charming small town in Victoria’s Goldfields, full of history, natural beauty, and warm, welcoming locals. Whether you’re passing th...

What to Expect During Divorce Mediation & Settlement

Divorce can be a difficult and emotionally draining process, but mediation and settlement often provide a constructive path forward. Instead of goin...

Navigating Disability Services in Perth: Your Questions Answered

Understanding the landscape of disability support can feel overwhelming, especially when you're just starting out. If you’re looking for support a...

How Veneers and Dental Implants Work Together for Full Smile Restoration

Modern dentistry has strong instruments that can produce life-changing outcomes when it comes to repairing a smile that has been impacted by tooth los...

Gen Z’s Are Going off Grid – But Is It Sustainable?

Australia’s cost of living crisis is causing Gen Z to get creative with frugal living options. Earlier this year, young couple Koby and Amelie wan...

The Risks of DIY Air Conditioning Installation and How to Avoid Them

Air conditioning is essential in Australia, especially during the scorching summer months, when homes and workplaces can become unbearable without rel...

How to Find Reliable Air Conditioning Services Near You in Brisbane Northside

Introduction In Brisbane’s hot and humid climate, air conditioning has become more of a necessity than a luxury. Whether it's keeping your home coo...

Enhance Outdoor Living with Lifestyle Awnings

Creating the perfect balance between indoor comfort and outdoor living is something many homeowners aspire to achieve. In recent years, Lifestyle Aw...

Why Buckets with Lids Are Essential for Safe Storage & Transportation

The right bucket can streamline transport and make handling easier day to day. With options suited to food, chemicals and construction materials, th...

Comfort and Style with Ceiling Fans Perth

While air conditioning is common, it is not always the most cost-effective or sustainable solution, particularly during long hot summers. For homeow...

How Professional Air Conditioning Services Improve Comfort and Efficiency

Air conditioning has become a fundamental part of homes and businesses, providing relief from sweltering summers and keeping interiors warm in winte...

The Value of Professional Rubbish Removal Services

From everyday waste to bulky items like furniture and appliances, finding the right way to dispose of rubbish is not always straightforward. This is...

LIFE STYLE

Gen Z’s Are Going off Grid – But Is It Sustainable?

Australia’s cost of living crisis is causing Gen Z to get creative with frugal living options. Earlier this year, young couple Koby and Amelie wanted to move in together, but...

The Risks of DIY Air Conditioning Installation and How to Avoid Them

Air conditioning is essential in Australia, especially during the scorching summer months, when homes and workplaces can become unbearable without reliable cooling. With the growing availability of online tutorials and...

How to Find Reliable Air Conditioning Services Near You in Brisbane Northside

Introduction In Brisbane’s hot and humid climate, air conditioning has become more of a necessity than a luxury. Whether it's keeping your home cool during summer or ensuring a comfortable environment...

Enhance Outdoor Living with Lifestyle Awnings

Creating the perfect balance between indoor comfort and outdoor living is something many homeowners aspire to achieve. In recent years, Lifestyle Awnings have become one of the most practical and stylish...

Comfort and Style with Ceiling Fans Perth

While air conditioning is common, it is not always the most cost-effective or sustainable solution, particularly during long hot summers. For homeowners and businesses alike, Ceiling Fans Perth offer an energy-efficient...

How Professional Air Conditioning Services Improve Comfort and Efficiency

Air conditioning has become a fundamental part of homes and businesses, providing relief from sweltering summers and keeping interiors warm in winter. However, the true value of air conditioning is...