Detecting a water leak in your home

Water leaks aren’t always obvious. So how DO you know if you have a problem with water leaking around your home?

If you notice a higher-than-normal water bill, or if you hear water running during a low-use time, it’s probably a sign to check for leaks.

Your local water company is responsible for repairing leaks on water meters and water mains, yet as the property owner, it’s your responsibility to repair service lines that run from the main, into your home.

Many leaks can be heard or seen but may be difficult to detect. Your water meter will be a useful tool in identifying water leaks on your property.

Steps to take when checking for a water leak:

1. Turn off all water-using appliances
2. Locate your water meter and check the leak indicator to see if it is moving. If you don’t know where your meter is located, you can call the local billing department.
3. If the meter is not visibly moving, take a meter reading and wait a couple of hours then take another reading. If the reading has changed, you have a leak.
4. To determine whether the leak is inside or outside your home, locate your home’s main shut-off valve and shut the water off. If the meter stops moving, you have a leak inside your home.

Toilets and faucets are the most common indoor leak culprit. You can check for toilet leaks by placing a few drops of dye in the tank. If after fifteen minutes, the water inside the bowl is colored, you’ve found a leak.

Once you repair a leak, you may qualify for a water bill adjustment from your municipal water supply.

Steps to take before a leak starts:

Another way to check for leaks is a more proactive approach. Smart water leak detectors can track water usage and alert you to leaking pipes or appliances, allowing you to act before the leak gets out of hand. You can receive alerts to your mobile device in real-time and shut off water remotely while you are away.

If you need help fixing or detecting a water leak, call on the experts at Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, & Electrical.