5 Genius Ways to Find Hidden Leaks

Written By: bci_admin

February 4, 2020

Hidden leaks can lead to serious home damage and costly repairs. The icy temps of winter here and all these freezing days could take their toll on your pipes and plumbing. At Solid Plumbing and Heating in Bayfield, Colorado we service the Four Corners Region and we know how big the expense can get on even a small leak. To help you save water waste, and reduce your water bill, here’s a helpful list of genius ways to detect a leak in your home. 

Watch Your Water Bill

One of the first ways you can detect the possibility of a leak is through monitoring your water bill. Check regularly to see if you note a significant increase in your water bill. If so, It could be an indication that you have a hidden leak somewhere in your home. Just make sure the spike isn’t due to a seasonal change before you start hunting for a leak. Compare your water bills from the same month from the previous year to see if there really is a spike.

Check Your Water Meter

A slow leak can quickly become an expensive problem. To make sure you don’t have any, check your water meter during a time when no water is being used. Start by taking a reading on your meter. Then check back in a few hours. Make sure that no water is used during your reading time. If the meter reading has changed you have a leak.

The Napkin Test

In most homes, the kitchen and bathroom pipes tend to be located out of sight, making them a valid suspect for undetected leaks.  American Home Shield warns that leaks left for extended periods and cause damage to floors, your sink base, and even the frame. They recommend the Napkin Test to detect leaks. To perform the Napkin Test, in the kitchen or bathroom try wiping the connections beneath the sink with a dry napkin or paper towel. If the napkin becomes wet, you have a small leak. 

The Dye Test

Toilet leaks waste hundreds of gallons of water each year. And they often do it in complete silence. Even a small leak can add up to a lot of wasted water and money over time. A simple way to check your toilet is by using the dye test. Add a few drops of food coloring to your toilet tank, (or purchase dye tablets at the hardware store.) Without flushing the toilet, wait about 30 minutes and then check the bowl. If the bowl is clear all is well, but if any color has come through then your toilet is leaking. We recommend that you avoid using red though. It might stain your toilet.

Rust, Stains & Odors

Regularly inspect your walls inside and out and your floors for signs of rust or stains. Bathroom floors rarely show signs of water damage, but rust-colored stains around the tub, toilet or shower may indicate that there is a water leak that you cant’s see. Also, be vigilant for the presence of a mold or mildew scent as these can be an indication that you have a leak lurking out of sight. 

Leaky pipes in your home can often seem like easy fixes, but they aren’t always the kind of repairs that you’ll want to tackle alone. At the first sign of water damage, consult with a plumbing professional at Solid Plumbing and Heating to help determine the problem and clear your home of trouble. According to the EPA, the average family wastes 11,000 gallons of water a year through leaks alone. That’s the equivalent of 270+ loads of laundry. Solid Plumbing and Heating is committed to ensuring that your home is free from leaks. If you uncover any evidence of leaks in your home give us a call today at 970-769-5278 and we’ll make sure that your home plumbing is in top working order. 

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