As the temperatures continue to plunge this winter, the risk of a frozen or burst pipe becomes far more likely. Thankfully, you can mitigate that danger and save on plumbing repairs by fixing leaking pipes as soon as you find them.
Knowing how to detect a leaking pipe sooner will help you practice more effective plumbing maintenance. Protect your equipment and save money with these pro tips:
1. Pay Close Attention to Your Water Bills
Consistent plumbing leak detection will help you save money while also ensuring you practice good water conservation techniques in your home. Additionally, fixing a plumbing leak promptly will protect your equipment and lead to fewer repairs. To enjoy all these benefits, it can help to compare your water bills.
While you might use a little more water in the winter, your household’s usage shouldn’t significantly rise between billing cycles. As such, if you do see an abrupt hike in water usage, it makes sense to suspect a leak.
2. Conduct a Water Meter Test
Professional leak detection often involves using a water meter test to verify that there is a leak somewhere within the plumbing system. Once a plumber detects a leak, they have special equipment to locate and repair the damage.
What you may not know is that you can complete a water meter test yourself to determine whether you need to schedule more advanced leak detection services ahead of time. To conduct the test, turn off all of your faucets and check the water meter for activity. You shouldn’t see any change in the readout; if you do, your plumbing system is leaking water.
3. Look for Stains and Musty Odors
Following drain maintenance tips all year will help you reduce corrosion in your drainage system. While a leak is less likely with good maintenance, an old pipe or a worn seal can still lead to a leak.
Water leak detection often involves looking for discoloration on the walls. It will usually take the form of a stain that looks dark, chalky, or fuzzy. You might also notice an unpleasant odor similar to wet cardboard.
Both of these are indicators of the presence of mold. After scheduling professional plumbing repairs, mold remediation may be necessary.
4. Use Your Ears for Leak Detection
Unless someone is using a washing machine, dishwasher, or faucet, you shouldn’t hear any running water. A soft, trickling sound coming from behind your walls is usually the first sign of a plumbing problem, and you should schedule professional leak detection right away.
An experienced plumber can identify the cause of the trickling water, give you an accurate assessment of the plumbing issue at hand, and ensure there aren’t any other leaks that have gone unnoticed.
Know When to Call the Pros
Daigle Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is here to provide a wide range of preventive maintenance and repairs for your home’s plumbing system. If you suspect a water leak on your property, our leak detection services will pinpoint the exact location of the problem. We’ll also offer prompt and long-lasting repairs you can trust. Contact us to schedule service today!
