BOOK SERVICEHow Do You Find and Fix Water Leaks in Your Home?
Water leaks in the home are more common than many homeowners realize. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that thousands of gallons of water can be wasted each year from running toilets, dripping faucets, and other plumbing leaks. Many of these issues are easy to fix, but when left unaddressed, they can lead to higher water bills and costly damage.
TL;DR
- Plumbing leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water each year.
- Running toilets and dripping faucets are the most common sources of water loss.
- Hidden leaks can cause structural damage and higher utility bills.
- Your water meter can help detect leaks you cannot see.
- Professional leak detection can locate problems without unnecessary digging.
Obvious and hidden signs of plumbing leaks
Pooling water is one of the most obvious signs of a plumbing leak. However, many leaks are far less noticeable and can still waste significant amounts of water over time.
Hidden leaks can damage floors, ceilings, walls, and personal property. By the time visible damage appears, the leak may have been present for weeks or even months.
Why plumbing leaks happen
Leaks can develop for several reasons. Poor installation, aging pipes, corrosion, loose fittings, and worn-out components all contribute to plumbing failures. In many cases, lack of routine maintenance allows small issues to grow into larger problems.
Running toilets waste more water than you think
A running toilet is one of the most common sources of water loss in the home. If your toilet makes noise when it is not in use, it is likely leaking water from the tank into the bowl.
You can test for this by placing a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank. Wait about 15 minutes without flushing. If color appears in the bowl, the toilet is leaking and needs repair.
Dripping faucets add up quickly
Dripping faucets in sinks, tubs, or showers waste water and increase monthly utility costs. Even a slow drip can result in a surprising amount of water loss over time.
Leaks are often caused by worn washers, gaskets, or internal components. Replacing these parts can usually stop the leak and prevent further damage.
Using your water meter to detect leaks
Your home’s water meter can help identify leaks that are not immediately visible. Start by checking the meter, then avoid using any water for at least two hours.
After that time, check the meter again. If the reading has changed, water is being used somewhere in the system, indicating a leak.
Outdoor and underground leaks
Wet or swampy areas in your yard, especially near the main water line, may indicate an underground leak. These leaks are often invisible from inside the home.
Modern plumbing diagnostics allow professionals to locate underground leaks using specialized equipment such as drain cameras, minimizing disruption to your property.
The value of routine plumbing inspections
While some leaks are easy to spot, others require professional expertise. Routine plumbing inspections help catch small issues early, before they turn into expensive repairs.
Annual maintenance is one of the best ways to protect your plumbing system and avoid unnecessary water damage.