Some plumbing leaks are extremely obvious, but others are harder to track down. Homeowners who have become aware thanks to rising utility bills or indoor humidity levels that they have a leak somewhere in their plumbing lines shouldn’t hesitate to call a plumber. There are, however, a few ways that they can attempt to track down a Water Leak in Bellevue WA for themselves, as well.
Check the Hot Water Tank
Hot water tanks are a surprisingly common source of leaks. These leaks most frequently come from the tanks’ pressure relief valves, which are often plumbed directly into drains. If there is no way to remove the drain pipe to check for leaks, listen for a hissing sound, as this is usually an indicator that water is escaping from the tank.
Check the Toilets
First, remove the top of the toilet’s tank and listen closely for hissing noises. If there are no noticeable leaks, try adding food coloring to the tank and wait several minutes to see if the coloring makes it into the bowl. If it does, chances are there’s a leak in the tank’s flapper that is letting water seep through.
Check the Meter Line
First, locate the household’s water meter, then turn off the main valve to the home. If the meter is still registering water use even after it has been temporarily shut off, the leak is somewhere between the meter and the house. Try walking the area between the shut-off valve and the meter to look for signs of leaking water such as soft or muddy areas or grass that is much greener than the rest of the lawn.
Check the Hose Bibs
Hose bibs are the pipes that connect exterior hoses to the home’s water supply, with most houses featuring one in the front and one in the back. Find these fixtures and listen for hissing sounds that could indicate that the leak is nearby. This method can also work indoors with faucets and other fixtures.
Now What?
Determining the general area from which water is leaking lets homeowners know where to tell their plumbers to look for problems, which can wind up saving them money in the long run. It’s rare that homeowners have the skills and tools required to repair the Water Leak in Bellevue WA themselves, but being able to locate it is still extremely helpful.
