A plumbing leak can lead to an excessive amount of water waste. A plumbing leak can cause anywhere from 2000 to 20,000 gallons of water waste per year. The leak can result in structural damage, mold, and insanity. Many plumbing leaks are not visible, making them difficult to detect.
An increased water bill, or a water stain on the walls or ceiling, can signify the presence of a leak. Some leaks can easily be rectified, while others cannot. It is important as a homeowner that you know how to inspect your home for leaks. If you do notice a leak, contact a DC emergency plumber promptly.
Locating Indoor Leaks
The best way to determine if you have an indoor leak is to check your appliances and fixtures. Toilets are the most common cause of a leak. Toilet leaks can be difficult to detect, if they are not properly tested. While searching your bathroom for leaks, aside from checking the toilet and fixtures, also check the tub and flooring. Any flooring that appears to be curled up, stained, or lose can alert you of a problem.
The Tub And Shower
Aside from the toilet, the second common cause of leaks is the drain in the tub or shower. These leaks are common due to the way that the piping systems are set up. Connections to the tub and shower can separate, which will allow water to leak out of the draining body, and onto the floor. People who have shower pans or fiberglass tubs are at a higher risk of developing a leak in this portion of their home.
Indoor Sinks
Sinks will experience leaks around their rim. A leaking rim can cause damage to the cabinets and countertops. Look for stains or puddles accumulating by the sink. If there are pieces of your countertop pulled up, or the caulk around your sink is deteriorating, these are telltale signs that the sink is leaking. Before calling a professional to fix the issue, make sure that the sink is tightly sealed.
Finding Outdoor Leaks
Locating an outdoor leak can be daunting. If the leak is in a swimming pool, this can make the process even more tedious. One way to determine if your swimming pool is wasting any water, as the result of a leak, is to perform a bucket test.
Grab a bucket, and set it down onto a step in the pool. Fill the bucket to match the water line of the pool. Mark the water levels along the side and the outside of the bucket. Keep the bucket in place for twenty-four hours. Once twenty-four hours has passed, come back to your pool, and see if the water has receded underneath the lines that were drawn.
Sprinkler Systems
If you use a sprinkler or irrigation system, you will need to check this area for leaks also. Checking the system is easy. Simply turn the water on, and keep an eye on all the lines and heads of the system. There are some systems that will leak when the water is off, which signifies a valve is malfunctioning.