Learn How to Find Leaks in The Plumbing System With These 7 DIY Tests

*Disclaimer: We do not recommend personal repair as it can lead to personal injuries and damage to property or both! It is best to consult the Miranda Home Services professionals for home or business repairs.

Plumbing leaks are all too common in most homes, particularly homes with old pipes. Unfortunately, leak detection in the plumbing system can be challenging because most pipes are hidden behind drywall and in difficult-to-reach places. 

Plumbers who might appear or commit to doing the job on the cheap are also generally inexperienced and will begin ripping down the ceilings and walls to gain access to pipes and locate the leak. It might risk the strength of your lines and cause extensive damage to your home. The cost of repairing the damage may exceed whatever money you think you might save by having inexperienced plumbers take a crack at improving your plumbing system.

Nevertheless, before you call plumbers for leak detection, here are 7 DIY tips on how to find leaks in your plumbing system.

1. Monitoring Your Water Bills

One of the means of finding leaks in the plumbing system is simply keeping an eye on each month’s water bill. The idea is simple: if there is a water leak in your house, you can spot it through an unexpected increase in your water bill. For example, you may have noticed an increased water bill even though your household’s water usage has remained constant. In this instance, it suggests that there are most likely unreported water leaks in your house.

It becomes difficult to locate leaks precisely when your system has several water pipes underneath it. To check your lines and make the required repairs, you should thus seek out guidance. Before the leak gets worse, these problems must be resolved.

2. Meter Test

A meter test determines whether or not there is a leak by using the city water meter that has been set up and connected to your system. When all the water in the house is turned off, a meter test is a quick process that involves visually inspecting the water meter to see if a secondary gauge, called a drip indicator, is moving. 

Even though it’s a simple task intended to examine the whole freshwater plumbing system, accessing the water meter and ensuring a precise reading may call for a professional’s trained eye on finding leaks in the plumbing system.

3. Look for Hints

If your house is a little older, the probability of water leaks in the pipes is much higher. Start by examining your bathroom’s state. Keep an eye out for any leaky shower heads, drains, or faucets. Similarly, a low water pressure in the shower head or taps may indicate a leak in the plumbing system.

Over time, watching for these issues can help you avoid paying for pricey replacements or repairs. This method can also be used to detect leaks in your kitchen pipes. Don’t hesitate to contact a professional to check your water pipes and fix any leaks you suspect may be occurring.

4. Check Your Toilet

It is crucial to check if the water flows without obstruction. This is because toilets consume about one-third of the water in most homes. Water waste from a leaky toilet can result in high water bills. Use some food coloring drops or dye tabs and drop them in the toilet bowl water to check for leaks in your bathroom.

After that, take a few minutes off from flushing the toilet. A leak is most likely present if the color gradually fades. You must get expert assistance ASAP to keep things from worsening in this situation.

5. Mold Growth

Another test to find leaks in the plumbing system is to check for mold growth in residences, typically caused by water leak damage. Mold in your kitchen, bathroom, or basement increases the likelihood of thinking there might be a water leak. It is one of the significant signs to tell you there are leaks in the plumbing system.

6. Discoloration on Walls

Building on the last point, another relevant test for finding leaks in the plumbing system is noticing some strange stains on your ceiling and walls. The majority of the colors are yellow or brown. It indicates that there might be leaks in your water pipes, causing your ceilings and walls to get wet and discolored.

7. Examine Your Outside Water Systems

Check if your garden attachments are functioning correctly by walking around your house. It could be the primary sign to tell you how to find a leak in the plumbing system. Examine your hoses, fountains, sprinklers, and taps more closely to ensure they operate correctly. If you notice any damp areas in your outdoor space, investigate further to determine the source of the issue or, better yet, contact a professional to address it.

Key Takeaways

A common issue that affects practically every second home is leaking pipes. However, how to find leaks in the plumbing system is very critical. Once you’ve identified the source of the leak in the plumbing system, the next logical step is to find professional plumbers to sort it out. This critical step is essential, as hiring inexperienced plumbers may cost you more time and money.

Therefore, when you get on Google and search for the best plumbing companies near you, remember to call plumbing agencies who have been serving the area for a long time and are well-versed in common plumbing issues in the area and how to address them best. If you suspect a leak in your plumbing system, contact us at Miranda Home Services. We’ve been serving South Florida for over 40 years and have built a strong reputation of trust and professionalism. Give us a call now!