Finding Hidden Plumbing Leaks
Water leaks inside your home can wreak havoc on the structural stability of your residence. If leaks aren't caught early on, the resulting moisture released by these leaks could cause your drywall and insulation to rot, or they could contribute to the development of toxic mold colonies within your home.
Identifying a leaking sink faucet is simple, but nefarious leaks can remain hidden within your home. Get into the adventurous spirit and strike out to find hidden water leaks in your home.
Start by testing the shower.
A shower that is used daily can quickly become a source of serious water damage when not properly maintained. It's easy enough to determine if your shower head has a leak (just watch for dripping water when the taps have been turned to the "off" position), but spotting a leaking shower door or an improperly sealed tub can be a bit more challenging.
Keep your eyes peeled for curling vinyl, water stains on the walls, or mold spots forming near the floor. These signs point to a splash leak or caulking that has deteriorated and created a leak in the seal between your tub and floor.
An experienced plumber will be able to examine the extent of the damage and help you repair or replace your faulty shower to prevent further water damage.
Make your way to the toilet.
Leaking toilets can be costly. As water leaks from the toilet's tank and into the bowl between flushes, you could be sending a significant amount of wasted water (and cold hard cash) down the drain. The easiest way to determine if you have a tank leak is to listen to your toilet.
Once the tank has been refilled after emptying out into the bowl following a flush, your toilet should be a silent fixture in your bathroom, If you continue to hear the sound of dripping water, a leak is present. You can also check for silent leaks by putting a few drops of food coloring in your toilet's tank, then leaving the toilet unused for a few hours. A tell-tale tint in the bowl's water upon your return indicates a leaking tank that must be repaired.
Your plumbing contractor will be able to examine your toilet and replace damaged parts in order to restore proper function. This will prevent tank leaks from flushing your hard-earned money down the toilet in the form of wasted water.