Water damage can be devastating to a home. Water out of place can ruin flooring, walls, furniture, and decor. While this is true of dramatic water damages that happen suddenly, as in the case of a burst pipe, it can also happen more gradually due to a leak. This makes it critical to find the source of a leak in your home before that leak can wreak havoc.
The most damage often comes from leaks that go unnoticed. The subtle addition or buildup of water can slowly deteriorate the features of the home and make dark or warm corners the ideal place for mold or mildew to snatch up real estate. Here we offer a few suggestions for how to find the source of a leak in your home to avoid loss of property or the need for repairs.
Discovering a Leak
The first step to finding a leak is recognizing that there is one. Sometimes this is more apparent than at other times. Catch leaks early with these steps.
1. Monitor the Water Bill
Water bills are fairly consistent, so if yours comes in unusually high, it may indicate that water is being expended somewhere you don’t know about. Keep a record of your monthly water bill data so you can compare each new incoming bill. Monitoring your water bill is a proactive way to find the source of a leak in your home.
2. Test the Water Meter
One way to discover if your home has a leak is to turn off all the home’s faucets while examining the water meter. If your meter is still running once all the faucets are off, you almost certainly have a leak.
3. Listen for Running Water Out of Place
While the sounds of running water are normally soothing, the same is not true if those sounds come from an unknown source in your home. If you hear running water when the dishwasher or washing machine is not running, there may be a problem. If someone is not in the shower or your sprinklers are not running but you hear water rushing through your pipes, it’s a warning sign that it’s time to take action.
4. Check on Your Appliances
Appliances that rely on the water can cause more damage (or run up your water bill) if they are broken. It’s not a bad idea to regularly check things like your dishwasher, fridge, washing machine, water heater, sinks, and toilets for leaks. When you do, check that your water shut-off valves are on first. If you want to check if your toilet has leaks, put some food coloring in the tank. If the toilet hasn’t been used but the color has seeped into the bowl the next morning, it has a leak.
5. Be Mindful of the Lawn
Not all leaks affect the inside of a home. Hoses, sprinklers, and amenities like fountains or pools can all be trouble spots if not correctly maintained. If patches of your lawn are differently colored, either much greener or significantly less green, it may indicate a leak. Inexplicable puddling is also a warning sign.
Find the Source of a Leak
Once a leak has been detected, it is important to discover its source right away so it can be repaired without delay. Sometimes this process is uncomplicated, but other times it can be much more difficult to pin down a leak’s location. That’s where Liberty Restoration can help.
Damp Patches or Water Drips
Finding actual water is a very straightforward way to find the source of a leak. If you can see the studs in the wall (dark spots), it could be water damage. Any kind of puddling should initiate immediate action.
Discoloration
Water damages may also manifest as discoloration of walls, floors, or ceilings. Look for sections that are yellow or black, though the latter signals a more advanced problem.
Mold and Mildew
Mold or mildew indicates that water damage is deep and has been going on for a while. If you see signs of microbial growth, you may be close to the source of a leak.
Texture Changes
If your wall bows outward or your ceiling looks pockmarked, the source of the leak may be near that change in texture.
Find the Source of a Leak on Your Property With Liberty Restoration
At Liberty Restoration, we can help you find the source of a leak in your home. We have only the best tools available, including a thermal imaging camera to professionally check for water damages. If you suspect leaking or other water damages in your home, don’t hesitate—call us right away.