Many homeowners suffer from plumbing leaks every day. The ensuing damage from a water leak can be significant. You must also contend with mold growth behind the walls, money flying from your wallet each month, and waterborne pests infesting the house.

As such, it pays to find a hidden water leak as quickly as possible. The sooner you can rectify the leak, the less damage you’ll endure overall.

Detecting a Hidden Leak

Unfortunately, many water leaks go unnoticed for days or even weeks. By then, the situation has escalated considerably. Behind the walls, underneath the flooring, and inside the ceiling, the water damage will become more noticeable with each passing day. To avoid such a dire situation, consider the following techniques for finding a hidden water leak:

• Water Meter – One of the best methods to test for a water leak is by checking the water meter for your home. First, turn off the water supply to the entire house. Wait anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour, then check the meter outside once more. If you notice a drastic change (i.e. the water meter rising), then you probably have a leak somewhere in the house.
  
• Monthly Usage – Every month, you should receive a bill from the utility company. Your bill will state how much money you owe and how much water is being used throughout the house. If the bill is drastically larger one month than it was the previous, then chances are you have a water leak.
  
• Food Coloring – One trick to detect a water leak in your toilet is to use brightly-colored food coloring. Put a few drops of the food coloring into the back toilet tank, then wait 10 minutes. If the food coloring shows up in the bowl, then you have a leak that allows water from the tank into the drain without the need for flushing. This leak may appear simple but can waste a lot of money and water each day.
  
• Exterior – When it comes to a plumbing leak, most of us only look indoors. An exterior leak can be just as bad. Check your outside spigots by attaching a garden hose. If you notice water seeping out, replace the rubber hose gasket and check to ensure the connections are tight.

When it comes to a plumbing leak of any size or in any location, common sense can win the day. It’s important to schedule regular inspections and routine maintenance with an experienced plumbing technician. You should also occasionally schedule drain cleaning to prevent a burst pipe, which can lead to excessive amounts of water damage.

If you find a hidden water leak and discover extensive water damage in your home, call a local Restoration 1 for immediate water damage restoration. We provide 24-hour services for homeowners who want guaranteed results!