A hidden water leak can lead to costly damage and high utility bills if left undetected. If you suspect a leak but can’t pinpoint the source, this blog post by the experts from D’Amorie Construction will share how to track it down before it causes serious issues.
Check Your Water Meter
One of the simplest ways to confirm a leak is by checking your water meter. Turn off all faucets and appliances that use water, then check the meter reading. Wait for about an hour without using any water, then check the meter again. If the reading has changed, you likely have a hidden leak.
Inspect Your Water Bill
A sudden spike in your water bill without an increase in usage is a major red flag. Compare your bills over the past few months to identify any unusual increases. If your usage patterns haven’t changed but your bill has risen significantly, you may have a hidden leak.
Look for Visible Signs of Water Damage
Leaks often leave visible clues. Check walls, ceilings, and floors for water stains, peeling paint, or warped surfaces. Musty odors or mold growth can also indicate prolonged moisture buildup from a leak.
Listen for Dripping or Running Water
Sometimes, you can hear a leak before you see it. At night, when the house is quiet, listen for dripping sounds or the faint noise of running water behind walls, under floors, or near plumbing fixtures.
Check Appliances & Fixtures
Examine appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters for pooling water or signs of moisture. Also, inspect under sinks, around toilets, and behind refrigerators with water dispensers for slow leaks.
Perform a Dye Test for Toilet Leaks
Toilets are common sources of hidden leaks. Add a few drops of food coloring into the tank and wait about 20 minutes without flushing. If the color appears in the bowl, you have a leak in the flapper or another internal component.
Inspect Your Outdoor Plumbing
Outdoor leaks often go unnoticed. Check garden hoses, irrigation systems, and outdoor spigots for leaks. Walk around your yard and look for unusually damp or sunken areas in the grass, which could indicate an underground leak.
Call a Professional Plumber if Needed
If you’ve tried these steps and still can’t find the leak, it’s time to call the professional plumbers from D’Amorie Construction who specialize in leak investigations. They have specialized tools like thermal imaging cameras and leak detection equipment to locate hidden leaks behind walls, under slabs, and in hard-to-reach places.
Plumbing Repairs, Replacement & More in Hamburg, Eden, Derby, Angola, Evans, Lancaster, Alden, Depew, Orchard Park, Blasdell, West Seneca, Lackawanna, Cheektowaga, Buffalo NY & Western New York
A mystery water leak can cause significant damage if ignored, but by checking your meter, inspecting your home, and listening for unusual sounds, you can often track it down. If the leak remains elusive, don’t hesitate to call the professionals from D’Amorie Construction to prevent further damage and costly repairs. You can’t find a company as dedicated to their customers as we are at D’Amorie Construction. We will ensure our customers are completely satisfied with the services we offer before we complete a job. Call us today for your sewer, water and excavation needs!
