Household leaks in the US waste an average of 1 trillion gallons of water. That's enough to fill the needs of 11 million homes for a year.
The problem is that water leaks don't always make themselves obvious. They can hide in your pipes, toilet tanks, and appliances.
Finding and fixing these drips as soon as possible prevents them from damaging your home and running up your bills. Read on to learn 4 ways to spot hidden water leaks.
1. Check Your Bills and Water Usage
Even a small water leak can increase your water bill by 10%. If you notice a sudden uptick, this may be why.
The average family uses 300 gallons of water a day, and 12% of it comes from water leaks. Look at the meter to see if your numbers are increasing rapidly.
If your water meter doesn't rise right away, check again in a few hours. You may have a slow-moving leak that could take time to have a significant impact.
You can also try turning off every faucet and checking to see if your water meter numbers increase. This is another sure sign of a leak.
2. Look for Signs of Water Damage
Seeing dripping water is the most obvious way to find a leak, but it's not the only way. There are also subtle signs of water damage they may leave behind, such as:
- Mold
- Unpleasant odors
- Paint discoloration
- Wood swelling
These signs can identify a leak, but they don't always make it obvious where it's coming from. You may need to call a professional to help you find the source.
3. Listen
If you can't see a hidden leak, listen for it. Pay attention to persistent dripping or rushing water.
These sounds may come from any of your faucets, pipes, drains, toilets, and plumbing fixtures. Following it may help you find out where it's coming from.
4. Use Food Coloring
The color test is one of the most homegrown methods of spotting leaks. They're not foolproof, but they can help.
If you suspect you have a leaky toilet, put 5 drops of dark food coloring in it overnight, and don't flush. If the color is in the tank the next morning, you have a leak.
The problem is probably coming from the flapper valve, a common site of toilet leaks. Check the area around the tank as well to see if the coloring has leaked out from anywhere else.
Where to Get Help with Hidden Water Leaks
Water leaks are wasteful, dangerous, and expensive. They can also be difficult to find, but there are a few effective methods.
Use all of your 5 senses. Listen for dripping sounds, look for signs of water damage, and smell for any unpleasant odors.
Check to see if your water bills or usage go up without explanation. You can even drop food coloring into your toilet to check for leaks there.
Hiring a professional is the best way to get rid of water leaks once you've spotted them. Contact COPE Construction and Renovation for home repair and improvement in PA.