How Do I Know If I Have a Water Leak In My Home?
Signs that you may be dealing with a leaky pipe somewhere in your home can range from very spotable to very subtle. Many leaks can be detected with things like rust build up, noticeable water stains, or the sound of a slow drip. But there’s one problem homeowners don’t always immediately associate with a leak: an increased water bill.
Yes, utility bills can vary from month to month, especially if you have different water usage between seasons (like a pool or landscape to maintain). But your water bill suddenly spiking could also be revealing a hidden leak somewhere in your home.
No matter where you assume the leak is, it’s important to call a plumber to find out exactly what is wrong so that you can address it quickly.
Main Water Leak
One of the simpler ways to find out if your home has a leak is to shut off the main water valve in your garage, and then check your meter. If the meter is still running even after you’ve shut off your home’s water, you have a leak between the meter and your home.
A main water leak may sound like a major issue, but catching it early can be key to preventing too big of a problem. You will need to fix your main water line, but overall is a simpler job than some other problems.
Irrigation Leak
This is less likely to cause a large increase in your water bill because the water is only being used in these areas at various times of the day. That said, it is still a possibility, and should be considered when checking areas of your home.
Under the Slab Leak
For leaks in this area it’s typically a better option to re-pipe your plumbing system. This is because small leaks in certain areas can lead to burst pipes, which could end up causing a lot of money and headache due to flood damage.
Slow Leaking Pipes
Slow leaks can be just as damaging as a burst pipe if they are left undiscovered for too long. This can be where watching your water bill comes in handy. If a slow leak is undetected it can cause mold to grow and spread through your house, necessitating extra repairs far beyond the initial leak.
When It’s Not a Leak
There are times we get calls from homeowners about a leak that turns out to have nothing to do with plumbing, and everything to do with weather. If you experience a sudden (or recurring) leak, think about where it could be coming from. If it happens to be in a room with no plumbing around or after a rainstorm, you may have a roof leak instead of a plumbing problem–which means you need a roofer instead of a plumber.
Of course, if you ever need help with a plumbing problem, a minor or major leak, or other plumbing question, we’re here to help. We have appointments available anytime of the day or night, and weekends too.
