When it comes to residential plumbing, hidden leaks can result in catastrophic damage. Since many residential plumbing problems aren’t apparent, even small drips can create significant water damage behind your walls. As the damage progresses, you can end up with costly repairs.

 

The good news is that there are several ways to identify hidden leaks, so you know when to call a plumber for an inspection. In this article, we’ll discuss some ways to identify a plumbing leak quickly. Let’s discuss!

 

Ways to Find Hidden Plumbing Leaks

 

Here are some easy ways to identify hidden plumbing leaks in your home.

 

Check Your Outdoor Plumbing

 

One of the biggest culprits of plumbing leaks is outdoor faucets and pipes. Keep a close eye on your outdoor plumbing. Regularly check your outdoor fixtures to make sure there are no leaks or broken faucets. Check the connections on all hoses, sprinklers, and irrigation systems.

 

If you notice a leak, call your local plumber immediately for repairs. The faster you get the issue resolved, the less likely it is that an outdoor problem will impact the interior of your home. If you aren’t sure what to look for in your outdoor inspections, you can also hire a local plumber to conduct annual checks to make sure your plumbing is working as it should.

 

Look for Visible Signs of Leaks Indoors

 

Leaks in the walls or ceilings often go unnoticed for extended periods until they cause significant damage. Luckily, you can locate indoor leaks with a simple visual inspection of your property.  Regularly check your ceilings and walls throughout your entire home for signs of water damage. Look for yellow or brown discoloration on the ceilings, peeling paint on the walls, and pooling water throughout your home. If you notice any visible signs of a problem, call your local plumber immediately for repairs.

 

Perform a Toilet Dye Test

 

Toilet dye tests are a great way to find hidden leaks in your bathroom plumbing. Believe it or not, your residential toilets account for 30% of the total water usage in your home. When your toilet has a hidden leak, that can result in a significant amount of water waste and cost you hundreds of dollars each year. If you suspect a toilet leak, perform the following test:

 

  • Add food coloring to your toilet tank.
  • Leave it for at least 10 minutes without flushing.
  • Check the inside of your toilet bowl to see if the dye has moved from your tank to the bowl. If it has, you have a toilet leak and should call a local plumber for repairs.

 

Monitor Your Utility Bills

 

Another easy way to check for hidden leaks is to monitor your utility bills. If your water bills are rising without changes in your water usage, this is a clear indication that there is a water leak in your home. To be proactive with residential leaks, keep your water bills organized so you can compare them from month to month. If you find significant changes between bills, it’s best to contact your local plumber for an inspection.

 

Watch for Signs of Mold

 

Finding water leaks is often challenging, but looking for signs of mold is one way to avoid significant damage. Discolored ceilings and walls, black spots around your faucets, and the smell of mildew are all signs of a problem. Since bacteria growth can create a health hazard for you and your family, it’s essential to keep a close eye on signs of mold.

 

Contact One Way Rooter for Your Residential Plumbing Needs

 

If you’re looking for a reliable Plumber in Downey, One Way Rooter is here to help! Contact us at the first sign of a plumbing problem to schedule an appointment.