A water leak can cost you hundreds of extra dollars if you don’t take preventative measures to control it. If you are worried that water may be leaking somewhere inside your home, there are a few simple steps you can take to find out where the leak is and whether or not you are responsible for its repair. It’s important to find out immediately so the leak can be repaired.

Monitor Your Meter

Check your water meter regularly and know how much water you normally use on a weekly and monthly basis. A dramatic rise in the number of gallons used in a specific time period will help you determine if a water leak is present.

Test Your Toilet

The easiest way to make sure your toilet is functioning properly is to put a small amount of dye in the tank. Food color works best and won’t stain the tank or the bowl. After a few minutes, check the toilet bowl. If the water in the bowl is discolored, you have a leak. If the water is still clear, the seal is tight and no leaks are present.

Mold and Mildew

Look for signs of mold and mildew in cabinets and along the floor joists that are exposed in your basement. The presence of moisture will result in water stains even if the surface doesn’t appear to be wet. If the stains are small, the water leak is minor and hasn’t had a chance to do much damage. If the stains are large and the material is beginning to warp, you may have a larger leak than you realized.

Check Your Main Shut Off Valve

Turn your water off at the main valve where the water lines enter your home. Once it’s off, check your water meter. If the meter has slowed down or stopped altogether, the leak isn’t with your equipment. If the meter is still going, you will need to call the water department to have them search for the leak and repair it.

Talk to Your Plumber

If you are still having problems locating the leak, call your plumber. They have tools that will help them find and fix the problem in a short amount of time. If you think you have a water leak, don’t wait to get it fixed. Do what you can to uncover the problem and get it repaired as soon as possible.

Pipeline Restoration Plumbing Inc.

Pipeline Restoration Plumbing, Inc. has been serving Orange County since 2008. We have helped thousands of customers with repairing their slab leaks and protecting their water systems from future corrosion. You can count on us whenever you need our services. We are here to help!