How To Tell If You Have Leaky Pipes
Thousands of litres of water get wasted each year due to leaking pipes. Most of this water goes unnoticed by homeowners, but within a short period, these leaks can cause you to rack up giant water bills and cause untold damage to your home. Botanical Plumbing has compiled a list of common symptoms to ensure you do not have leaks in your home. You should consider contacting a plumber for repair services if you have a leak.
1. Check Your Water Meter
Though your water bill tends to increase in the summer, an inexplicably high bill can signify something much more severe. It can start small, creeping up month on month, or it may hit suddenly, but the easiest way to spot this one is by keeping track of your water bill and regularly checking your water meter. To prevent your water meter, you will have to turn off all the water in your house. Shut off all the taps, make sure dishwashers and washing machines are off and then check the meter to see if it begins to change. If it does, you likely have a fast-moving leak. If it does not change immediately, check in again in two hours. If the water meter has changed despite the water all being off, you may be dealing with a slower leak. If you have this type of leak, contact a plumber immediately.
2. Mould and Mildew
Common sense is vital when checking for leaks, and the significant signs are mould and mildew. Make a habit of checking the backs of cupboards and under sinks for signs of mould or any smells that may indicate a leak. Finding these leaks early can save you thousands of dollars in repairs if they can be caught early. A little mould or mildew in a shower can occur at any time, but finding it outside the bathroom area, on walls or floors, is not expected unless you have a leaking pipe.
3. Use Some Food Colouring
Food colouring is a great way to find possible leaks. Toilets can account for up to 40% of your water usage, so regularly checking that there are no issues is a good idea. Add a few drops of water to your toilet tank and wait around 10 minutes. If when you then check the toilet bowl, you see the food dye in there, then water is leaking from the tank to your drain without ever flushing, upping your water usage. If this is the case, it is time to get your toilet repaired.
4. Stained Ceilings, Walls, or Floors
If there are visible signs of water coming through your walls, floors or ceiling, it is a good indication of a leaking pipe somewhere in your home. This can also give you a good idea of where the leak originated. However, before you begin looking to remove the area, getting a professional in to find the leak is always a good idea. It is extremely important to regularly check for discolouration and marks on the walls if your home is over 25 years old, as your plumbing can begin to age and show signs of wear and tear.
If you are worried about a leaking pipe in your home, contact the experts at Botanical Plumbing to help. For more helpful guides, check out our blog on what is causing your tap to leak!
