Serious water leaks are usually fairly obvious as they cause almost immediate water damage. However, even a minor Water Leak in Tacoma can wreak some serious damage if left unchecked. Homeowners who believe they may have a leak somewhere in their plumbing systems can follow the simple advice below to determine whether or not they should call a plumber.
Check the Water Meter
Before checking the water meter, be sure that no faucets are turned on either inside or outside of the home. Next, check the leak indicator on the water meter; if the dial is moving, there’s almost certainly a leak somewhere in the system. Alternatively, homeowners can take two meter readings an hour or two apart to see if the reading has changed despite no water being used within the household.
Determining the source of the leak isn’t always quite as simple. Most homeowners choose to simply call a plumber to diagnose and repair the problem after they’ve realized that they have a leak. However, they can also look for the following common signs of trouble.
Leaking Faucets
Leaking faucets are easy enough to repair that particularly handy homeowners can perform this work themselves. Simply turn off the water valve beneath the sink, remove the handle, and replace the rubber washer. This almost always solves the problem.
Leaking Toilets
Toilet leaks often go unnoticed until the water bill comes in, but they can waste hundreds of gallons if not caught early. The best way to determine whether or not the toilet is leaking is to add a few drops of food coloring to the back of its tank. Wait about thirty minutes, then check to see if there is any color in the toilet bowl; if there is, the toilet is leaking.
Wastewater Leaks
While drinking water leaks are generally fairly obvious due to the pressure required to move water through the home, wastewater is usually moved by gravity, making leaks more difficult to detect. Look for water stains on ceilings, floors, and walls. Visible damage is a sure sign of a serious Water Leak in Tacoma, so it’s time to call in a professional plumber before further damage can occur.
