Have you ever woken up to find water dripping from your ceiling?
Or maybe you’ve noticed that your water bill has been much higher than usual.
Whatever the case, there’s a good chance you have a leak in your home.
If this is the case, then it’s time to take action.
Water leaks are a major cause of home damage. According to estimates, around 10% of homes have a water leak problem. The good news is that most leaks can be fixed without having to call in a plumber in Santa Rosa, CA.
In this article, leak detection plumbers in Santa Rosa will give you some tips on what to look out for when searching for leaks in your house and how to check water leaks.
So, let’s get started.
What to Check When Finding Leaks in Your Home?
We’ve all been there. You wake up in the middle of the night, and your house is flooded with water thanks to a leaky faucet.
Or maybe it’s not so much a flood as a slow leak you’ve noticed over time, slowly draining your water heater or pooling up in the basement.
The good news is you can check for leaks and save a ton of money on your water bill. Here are three places to look when checking for leaks:
Check Your Faucets
Faucets are one of the most common sources of water leakage in homes. One drip per second can add up to $40 per year in wasted water, so it’s important to inspect your faucets regularly and replace any worn parts.
Toilet Leaks
If you have a tankless toilet, you may think there’s no way it could leak—but you’d be wrong! Tankless toilets have small rubber seals around their rims that can leak if they’re worn out or damaged. If you notice a drop in water pressure when flushing the toilet, or if your toilet tank feels empty even though it hasn’t been refilled recently, check these seals for signs of wear or damage and replace them if required.
Check Your Pipes
Check all of the pipes under your sink and in the rest of your house for leaks. 22% of homeowners experience leaks from their pipes. If you notice water stains or mold on your walls or floor, check the pipes near them first. You’ll want to look for discoloration or rusting, which indicates that there is water leaking through the walls. You can also listen for dripping sounds, which will help you narrow down where the leak is coming from.
Water Heater
Water heaters are another common source of leaks—and since they’re often located on the bottom floor, they’re hard to find without taking up space with a ladder! 10% of homes have issues with their water heaters that cost them money—and they might not even realize it. Check your water heater by turning off all faucets in the house and checking for drips below it; if you find any, turn off the power before opening the valve and look inside for damage or buildup that could be causing a leak.
Check Your Washing Machine
Your washing machine is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to leaky hoses. According to the Department of Energy, this appliance is responsible for about 20% of all water usage in a typical household. The hose connects directly to the tank, so a crack or hole in it can cause serious damage to your flooring or cabinets.
Dishwasher
Another area to check is your dishwasher. This appliance is responsible for another 20% of water usage in a typical household, so it’s important that it doesn’t have any leaks! The best way to check for these leaks is by turning off the faucet while running the dishwasher, then checking underneath it for any drips or puddles coming from underneath where it drains into your sink (this will be particularly helpful if you live in an apartment building).
Check Your Refrigerator
Refrigerators are notorious for leaking water. They are one of the most common culprits of water leaks, so this is a great place to start if you notice that something is dripping onto your floor or under your sink. The first thing to do when checking for leaks in your fridge is to look for damaged pipes or valves under the sink where they connect with the faucet. If there is any damage here, then it could be causing a leak that would need replacing immediately before structural damage occurs due to moisture building up over time!
Sinks and Drains
In 2017, the average American family spent $1,000 on water leaks—and that’s just the average! Bathroom sinks and drains are often caused by clogged drains or worn stopper valves that allow water to flow into your home when they shouldn’t be doing so anymore due to their age or wear and tear over time (for example). To fix this issue, try cleaning out your sink trap before moving on to replacing parts if necessary; otherwise, you might have an even bigger problem on your hands down the road!
Shower/Tub
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the bathroom is one of the most common areas where homeowners can find leaks. Did you know that if your shower has a leak, it can waste up to 20 gallons of water per minute? That’s about 3,000 gallons per month! That’s equivalent to filling up a swimming pool every four days! If you want to check for leaks in your shower, you need to look for signs of mold or mildew around the edges of the base of your shower walls. If you see any signs of mold or mildew, that means there’s a leak somewhere in your plumbing system—and that could mean costly repairs down the road.
Outdoor Areas
The same goes for outdoor areas like driveways and patios. The average family spends about 40 hours per month outdoors during the summer months—and that’s 40 hours of potential water loss! If you live in an area with sandy soil or high winds (like Florida), leaks can happen even faster than indoors because there are fewer barriers between the pipes and the surface itself.
Water Meter
The water meter measures how much water flows through it and keeps track of how much you’re using. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average household spends about $1,437 a year on water bills. That’s a lot of money! If there are any changes in the amount of water that flows through your meter, it could be an indicator of a leak somewhere on your property. It’s important to know what normal usage looks like so you can compare the new amount with what’s normal for your household.
How To Check For Water Leaks?
Water leaks can be very costly. They can lead to mold, mildew growth, and damage to your home’s foundation and walls. If you notice any leaks in your house, it’s important to act fast to avoid costly repairs. Here are some steps you can take to check for water leaks:
Check your water meter.
Start by locating your water meter near the front of your property. Ensure that no water is being used in your home, and then check the meter reading. Wait 15-30 minutes without using any water, then check the meter again. If the reading has changed, it indicates that there might be a leak in your plumbing system.
Monitor your water bill.
Keep an eye on your water bill for any unexplained increases in water usage. If your water consumption has significantly increased without a corresponding change in your water usage habits, it could be a sign of a leak.
Conduct a visual inspection.
Inspect all visible plumbing fixtures and pipes in your home for any signs of leakage. Look for drips, puddles, or damp spots under sinks, around toilets, and near appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. Check for water stains on walls, ceilings, or floors that may indicate hidden leaks.
Test toilet leaks.
To check for a toilet leak, place a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. Wait for approximately 30 minutes without flushing the toilet. If the food coloring appears in the toilet bowl, it indicates a leak in the toilet flapper valve, which may need to be replaced.
Inspect faucets and showerheads.
Check all faucets and showerheads for any leaks or drips. Even a small, steady drip can waste significant water over time. Ensure that all faucets are fully closed when not in use.
Listen for unusual sounds.
Pay attention to any unusual sounds of dripping or running water when all faucets and appliances are turned off. These sounds could indicate hidden leaks behind walls or underground.
Check outdoor faucets and irrigation systems.
Examine outdoor faucets, hoses, and sprinkler systems for any leaks or pooling water. Inspect the connections and valves and repair or replace any damaged components.
Perform a pipe pressure test.
Shut off all water-using appliances and fixtures in your home. Record the water meter reading and wait for a few hours. If the meter reading has changed, it suggests a hidden leak in the pipes, and you may need to consult a professional plumber for further investigation.
Use a leak detection device.
Consider using a leak detection device, such as a water leak sensor or a smart water meter, which can provide real-time monitoring and alerts for leaks in your plumbing system.
DIY Vs. Professional Leak Detection
If you are looking for a way to detect leaks in your home, then you have come to the right place. There are many different ways to do it, but there are also some things that must be considered before deciding how to do it.
Here’s a comparison table highlighting the differences between DIY leak detection and professional leak detection:
| Aspect | DIY Leak Detection | Professional Leak Detection |
| Expertise and Knowledge | Requires a basic understanding of plumbing systems and leak detection techniques. | Professionals have extensive knowledge and experience in leak detection. They are trained to identify and fix various types of leaks. |
| Equipment and Tools | Limited to basic tools like flashlights, dye tablets, and moisture meters. | Equipped with advanced tools and technology such as thermal imaging cameras, acoustic sensors, and electronic leak detectors. |
| Accuracy | It relies on visual inspections and basic methods, which may not be as accurate in detecting hidden leaks or identifying the exact source of the leak. | Utilizes specialized equipment and techniques, allowing for more precise leak detection, even in hard-to-reach areas or concealed pipes. |
| Time and Effort | DIY methods can be time-consuming, especially when searching for hidden leaks or performing trial-and-error techniques. | Professionals can quickly and efficiently detect leaks, saving you time and effort. |
| Potential Damage | Inexperienced DIY attempts can potentially cause more damage if pipes or fixtures are mishandled or broken during the process. | Professionals are trained to minimize damage while detecting and repairing leaks. |
| Cost | DIY methods are generally less expensive upfront but may result in higher costs if leaks go undetected or if additional damage occurs. | Professional services have associated costs, but they can save you money in the long run by accurately identifying and resolving leaks promptly. |
| Warranty and Guarantee | No formal warranty or guarantee for the accuracy of the DIY leak detection process. | Reputable professional leak detection services often offer warranties or guarantees for their work. If the leak persists, they will return and fix it at no additional cost. |
| Complex or Large-scale Leaks | May struggle to detect and handle complex leaks or leaks in extensive plumbing systems. | Professionals have the expertise and resources to handle complex leaks and large-scale plumbing systems. |
| Safety Concerns | DIY methods generally do not pose significant safety risks unless there is direct interaction with plumbing components. | Professionals follow safety protocols and are familiar with potential hazards associated with leak detection, ensuring a safe working environment. |
FAQs
Does homeowners insurance cover water leaks?
Yes! Homeowners insurance is there to protect you from the unexpected. So if you have a water leak and it causes damage to your home or belongings, your insurance will cover that loss.
Why is it important to detect leaks?
Leaky pipes can cause your water bill to skyrocket and damage your home’s foundation. They can also be a fire hazard, which could lead to serious problems if they’re not stopped in time.
How much does leak detection cost?
The price of a leak detection service varies depending on how long it takes for them to find and fix the problem once they’ve located it with their equipment; however, most people pay about $250-$350 for this service depending on how long their job takes them (it could take anywhere between 2-6 hours).
It’s Time to Call Professional Leak Detection Plumber in Santa Rosa, CA!
Are you tired of the constant drip, drip, drip?
Do you find yourself cleaning up puddles in your basement and wondering what is happening?
Are you worried that your house might be falling apart?
If so, it’s time to call a professional leak detection plumber in Santa Rosa, CA.
Holman Plumbing is here to help you identify where your plumbing issues are coming from and solve them once and for all—and we promise we won’t make you clean up any more puddles!
Holman Plumbing is a Santa Rosa, CA-based plumbing company that specializes in Leak Solutions and Services in Santa Rosa. We understand that leaks are not only disruptive and expensive, but they can also pose a serious health risk.
For over many years now, we’ve been helping customers like you solve their leak problems. Our team is made up of highly skilled professionals who are dedicated to providing outstanding customer service at an affordable price and have extensive experience in finding hidden leaks and repairing them quickly. Our goal is to help you get the most out of your plumbing system while keeping it safe and reliable for years to come!
If you suspect that something isn’t right with your plumbing system, contact us today at (707) 347-8958!