Water leaks often start off small and barely detectable but can quickly escalate into a big and costly problem. To save you time and money, it’s vital to know what to look for when you suspect a water leak so you can protect your home and your pocket.
Signs You Might Have a Water Leak
Water leaks can create a magnitude of problems in your home and business. It is critical to identify water leaks so if you don’t know what to look for, here are some common signs that you might have a water leak.
Mould Growth
If you suspect you have a water leak in your home, you will find mould patches. You can typically find it in areas where there’s constant moisture such as the shower. Mould can grow on most surfaces and is harmful to your health. It is especially dangerous to the elderly, small children or people who suffer from respiratory illnesses.
Higher than Usual Water Bill
A substantial increase in your water bill will signal a water leak somewhere. If you’re confident that you haven’t been using more water than usual, you might want to look for a leak.
Low Water Pressure
If you’re confident that water isn’t being used elsewhere in the house but suffer from low water pressure from your shower or taps, you may have a water leak.
How to Check for a Leak at Home
- Stop the use of water altogether by closing every tap on the property. Don’t flush any toilets.
- Check your water meter and make a note of the reading.
- Wait 20 minutes and take another reading. While you wait, make sure nobody flushes a toilet or opens a tap.
- If the second reading is different from the first, you have a leak to fix. Take action quickly and get in touch with reputable leak detectors.
How to Repair a Leak at Home
Dripping Tap
If your tap is dripping, do an inspection to determine the cause. Through the stopcock or an isolator valve, switch off the water supply. Open up the tap and inspect the washer. If it is damaged, you might need to replace it. Alternatively, cleaning any debris build-up might just clear up the leak.
Toilet
Toilet leaks could be due to damage to the float and ballcock. In which case, the water will cause an overflow and continue to fill up the cistern. If this is the case, we suggest you call a plumber right away. Another reason for a toilet leak can be a crack in the bowl. This can cause a significant amount of water to leak out. The toilet would need to be replaced completely if this is the case.
Plastic Water Pipe
Again, it’s wise to turn off the water supply. Do an inspection to make sure you know exactly where the leak is coming from. Once you’ve found the culprit, replace the affected pipe. Alternatively, fix it temporarily with epoxy and tape then call a plumber.