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The plumbing system is an essential feature of homes and other buildings which are composed of a variety of mechanisms and parts. Because the plumbing system is responsible for bringing in clean water and carrying out waste water, it is essential that the system stay in good working order. Over time a plumbing system can develop problems such as developing a leak. This can result in flooding, water waste, and higher water bills. A homeowner can locate a leak using a few simple methods to identifying a leak, however, there are some leaks that can be difficult to find which will require the services of a professional plumber who has the experience, skills, and technology to find the source of the leak and make the repair.
If you want to find the source of the leak before calling in a plumber, below is a checklist on how to detect a plumbing system leak:
Check for a Toilet Leak: Toilets can sometimes develop a leak. A leak can often be detected by looking for such signs as: toilet continuously running, unusual sounds such as gurgling when the toilet has not been flushed, water is flowing over the sides of the toilet, and you have to keep the handle pressed to get the water to empty from the bowl. However, there are also silent toilet leaks. You can test for a silent leak by performing a Red Dye Test. You can do this by acquiring red dye from a plumbing supply store. Remove the cover of the toilet tank and add the red dye to the water in the tank. Make sure there is enough dye to turn the water red. Then, wait an hour and check the water in the toilet bowl. If the water is red, then you have toilet leak and you should call a plumber to repair the leak.
Examine Plumbing Pipes: Plumbing pipes can develop cracks causing a leak. If you have copper pipes, you can identify a leak by looking for a white circle that will have formed around the part of the pipe that is leaking. As well, check all pipes for wetness and drips.
Examine Key Areas Where Leaks Can Be Identified: There are a number of spots where you can identify a leak by looking for water accumulation. For instance, look for constantly dripping faucets and shower heads, moisture developing in the walls and mold and mildew on the exterior walls, a constantly running water pump, water dripping from the ceiling or water spots on the ceiling, water accumulating around these devices as washing machines, under sinks, and on the basement floor, and a crack in the foundation with moisture coming out of the crack. You should also check your drain field to see if there is flooding which could mean a break in the sewer line or a blockage.
It is vital that you get a leaking pipe repaired immediately so that the problem does not escalate and you end up with a big mess and big repair bill. Call a plumber right away to fix the problem properly. You should also implement a plumbing system maintenance schedule to ensure that you keep your system in good working condition. A leak in the plumbing system can be an irritating experience and disrupt regular home activities. To avoid problems such as leaks it is wise to get an annual plumbing inspection to make sure there are no undetectable problems that could lead to really big plumbing problems. It will save you money and prolong the life of your plumbing system.