How to Find a Water Leak: 12 Steps for Property Owners

Water leaks are a property owner’s worst nightmare. Not only do they waste water and drive up utility bills, but they can also cause significant damage to your property if left unaddressed. Detecting a water leak early on can save you from potential headaches and costly repairs. In this blog, we’ll walk you through twelve steps on how to find a water leak in your building or home.

Step 1: Monitor Your Water Meter

The first step to finding a water leak is to turn off all water-consuming appliances and fixtures in your house. This includes faucets, showers, toilets, dishwashers, and washing machines. Once everything is turned off, locate your water meter outside the house near the property line or in a utility room. Take note of the current reading on the water meter.

Leave the water unused for about 2 hours, ensuring that no one uses water during this time. After the elapsed time, return to the water meter and recheck the reading. If the reading has changed even though no water was used, it indicates water is leaking somewhere on your property.

Step 2: Check Your Water Bill

Checking your water bill is a crucial step in identifying potential water leaks. Your water bill provides valuable information about your water usage over time, and a sudden increase in water consumption can be a strong indicator of an undetected leak.

Start by comparing your current water bill with previous months or the same period of the prior year. It could signal a hidden leak if you notice a significant spike in water usage without any corresponding change in your household’s water habits.

Step 3: Inspect Your Faucets and Fixtures

Dripping faucets are one of the most common causes of water wastage and leaks. Inspect all your faucets, showerheads, and visible fixtures for any signs of dripping or leakage. Even a tiny, seemingly insignificant drip can add to gallons of water waste over time and indicate a faulty or worn-out component.

If you notice any leaks or dripping, consider replacing washers, O-rings, or seals to fix the issue. Additionally, make sure all fixtures are tightly connected to prevent further leaks.

Step 4: Test Your Toilets

Toilets are notorious for hidden leaks that can go undetected for long periods, wasting a significant amount of water. To check if your toilet leaks, place a few drops of food colouring into the toilet tank and wait for about 30 minutes without flushing.

If the water in the toilet bowl changes colour during this time, there’s a leak in the flapper valve or flush valve. These standard components can wear out over time, causing water to leak from the tank to the bowl. The issue can be resolved by replacing the faulty part.

Step 5: Check Exterior Areas

Water leaks may also originate from outside your home. Inspect your gutters, downspouts, and outdoor faucets for any signs of leakage. Clogged or damaged gutters can cause water to overflow and seep into the walls or foundation of your house, leading to potential damage over time.

Ensure your gutters are clear of debris and that downspouts direct water away from your foundation to prevent water from pooling around the base of your home. Outdoor faucets should be checked for leaks, and if necessary, the washers or seals should be replaced to ensure a tight seal.

Step 6: Listen for Unusual Sounds

Sometimes, leaks can be identified by sound. If you suspect a leak but can’t find any visible signs, try listening for hissing or running water noises, especially in walls, ceilings, or crawl spaces.

A leak in a pressurized pipe may create a distinct hissing sound, similar to air escaping from a tire. If you hear water flowing even when no water fixtures are in use, it could indicate an underground or hidden leak.

Step 7: Examine Your Appliances

Many household appliances are connected to the water supply, and they can be sources of leaks if not properly maintained. Inspect the areas around your dishwasher, refrigerator (especially if it has an ice maker or water dispenser), washing machine, and water heater.

Look for pooling water, dampness, or water stains around these appliances, as these could be signs of an appliance leak. Faulty hoses, connections, or internal components may be to blame. Check the hoses regularly and replace them if they show signs of wear or deterioration.

Step 8: Look for Obvious Signs

Water leaks often leave noticeable signs that can help you pinpoint the source. Inspect your walls, floors, and ceilings for water stains, peeling paint, or warped wood. These signs indicate water seepage and might guide you to the general area of the leak.

Mold and mildew growth can also indicate hidden leaks. Look for musty odours or black spots on walls and ceilings, especially in damp or poorly ventilated areas.

Step 9: Check the Water Pressure

Unusually high water pressure can lead to leaks in your plumbing system. To determine your water pressure:

1. Purchase a water pressure gauge from a hardware store.
2. Attach the gauge to an outdoor faucet and turn on the faucet fully.
3. Read the pressure displayed on the gauge.

The ideal water pressure for a home should be between 40 to 60 psi (pounds per square inch). If the pressure reading exceeds 80 psi, it may suggest that you need a pressure regulator to prevent future leaks and protect your plumbing system from potential damage caused by high pressure.

Step 10: Conduct a Hose Bib Test

Outdoor hose bibs (also known as spigots or faucets) can be a source of leaks as well. A faulty hose bib can leak water, wasting valuable resources and potentially damaging your property.

Turn off all indoor and outdoor water fixtures and faucets to test your hose bib. Next, attach a hose to the hose bib and turn on the water. If you notice water leaking from the connection point between the hose and the bib, there might be a problem with the hose bib that needs attention. It could be a loose connection or a worn-out rubber gasket that needs replacing.

Step 11: Use Smart Water Leak Detection Devices

Modern technology offers various water leak detection devices that can help identify leaks early. Water flow sensors, moisture detectors, and automatic shut-off valves are some devices that can be installed in critical areas. These smart devices can alert property managers or residents when abnormal water activity is detected, enabling prompt action before the issue worsens.

Step 12: Call a Professional

If you’ve followed all the steps and still can’t find the source of the leak, or if you’re uncomfortable handling the investigation on your own, it’s time to call in a professional. Connected Sensors has developed innovative products and solutions designed to find and eliminate water leaks, reduce water bills, and prevent costly water damage.

Wrapping Up

Early detection and prompt action are crucial to preventing further damage and conserving water. Following these twelve steps and paying attention to the details, you’ll be better equipped to tackle water leaks and maintain a healthy, water-efficient property.