How to find out if your water pipes have leaks

The leaky plumbing spend water and can cause major damage to your home. Pipelines often lose for long periods of time before you can detect the problem. In many cases, water loses in one area and runs along the pipe to deposit into another area. In these environments they grow mold and fungi, which can be harmful to health. Inspecting pipes regularly for leaks can prevent costly damage.

Instructions

  1. Turn off the main water supply, which is usually on the meter.
  2. Record the water usage reading on the meter and follow it every hour with the water supply closed. An increase in use even when the water is cut off is an indicator that you could have a loss somewhere in the house, usually in the main water pipe. Small losses may not be detected, so you should examine each area of ​​your home.
  3. Inspect each toilet around the base. Ampoules, cracks or soft areas in the lining around the base are indicators of leakage in the pipes below. Replacing the toilet seal often solves the problem, but sometimes the leak may be in the drain pipe.
  4. Examine all visible pipe joints, such as those below basins or basements and in connection pipes for the appliances. Use a flashlight in very small spaces so that you can clearly see all the joints clearly. Look for arched cabinet floors or stains, as they indicate a leak in a pipe. Areas where pipes are attached are a frequent site for leakage due to sealing, corrosion or cracking.
  5. Open the water supply to fixtures, toilets and faucets and then close it again. Frequently, the losses in these pipes will be seen when they are closed again.
  6. Examine the floor around appliances that use water (such as the dishwasher) and areas where the pipe passes under the cladding. Arcing, a spongy appearance when you stand, sagging, spots or cracks are signs of leakage in pipes below or near the ground.
  7. Lift the liner and examine the subfloor below it. Black spots and moist areas are signs of a leak in a pipe under the floor.

Look for spots, cracks or blisters on ceilings or walls that are exactly below the bathrooms. Water dripping on hidden pipes could be built for a period of time before you see signs on ceilings or ceilings.

Compare your current water bills with the previous ones. If they show a significant increase in use, you could have a significant water loss.

Tips & Warnings

  • If drain pipes show soft spots or signs of corrosion, replace them as soon as possible. If there are no signs of corrosion but you detect a loss, tighten the nuts to stop it.
  • Losses behind walls and ceilings should be inspected by a plumber. Plaster walls should be replaced if there are signs of mold.