When it comes to detecting plumbing leaks, the best thing you can do is schedule preventive maintenance. Some leaks are too small to be detected any other way, and it’s generally the best way to make sure that any leaks are found and fixed before they cause too much trouble. Still, maintenance is not perfect. There is still a chance that a leak could show up between maintenance appointments. If you have reason to believe that has happened in your plumbing, there are ways to confirm it before you call for repairs. Have a look at the following tips to help you determine whether you have a leak in your home that needs fixing.
Falling Water Pressure
One of the most obvious signs that there is a leak in your home is dropping water pressure. If the water pressure is falling steadily over time, then you probably have a moderate leak that is getting larger. You should address that as soon as you can. If there is a sudden drop in water pressure, that might indicate a pipe rupture. That qualifies as a plumbing emergency, so make sure you turn off the water to that part of the home and call for repairs immediately.
Unexplained Spikes in Water Bills
Hopefully, you’re already monitoring your monthly water bills to make sure that everything is being charged correctly. If you notice any sudden spikes in your water bill, it’s a good idea to have a professional come take a look at your plumbing system. Those kinds of sudden jumps without any accompanying rise in usage are typically the result of a leak in the system, and should be investigated before any potential leaks get any worse.
Check the Water Meter
One good trick for checking to see if you’ve got any leaks in your system is to turn off all the plumbing appliances in your home, and then look at your water meter. If the water meter isn’t moving, then you probably don’t have any leaks in your system. If the water meter is running, though, then it means you likely have a leak somewhere that needs to be repaired.
Visible Water Damage
This is the worst-case scenario, but it still is worth mentioning. You should always call for immediate professional repairs if you notice any signs of physical water damage in your home. If the water damage appears relatively quickly, you’ve got a larger leak that needs to be dealt with as quickly as possible. If you haven’t looked at that area of the home in a while, and you’re not sure whether or not the water damage has been there for a long time, you may or may not have a pinhole leak. These are small leaks that take months to inflict visible water damage, but often go unnoticed until they do. Regardless, you should make sure that you call for a plumber if you see water damage.
Murphy’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning provides full plumbing services in Wayne, PA. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our professional plumbers.
