4 Top Leak Detection Hacks

Water running through your home is metered, which means that if there's a leak, your water bill should spike. However, that can also be a symptom of other plumbing problems. How do you determine whether it is a leak for sure? Follow the simple leak detection tips from Anta Plumbing's professional plumbers, below.

Fixing leaks as soon as you become aware of them will not only save you money, but it will also protect one of our most precious resources - water.

5 Ways to Find a Leak

1. The Garden

Inspect your garden for signs of leaks in the drip irrigation system, faucets and hoses. Check if your pool is leaking.

2. Hose Bibs

Check the hose bibs (pipes onto which you hook your hoses) for leaks. Most homes have a hose bib in the front and another in the back.

Put the metal tip of a large flat screwdriver onto the metal of the hose bib. Place the knuckle of your thumb on top of the screwdriver, and put your ear to the knuckle to allow sound to travel to your eardrum. Sounds of leaking should be relayed via the screwdriver to your eardrum, much like a stethoscope.

Repeat the process with other hose bibs, identifying the one that emits the loudest sound. The leak will be closest to the unit with the louder sound.

When you call your plumber, show him the correct hose bib, as this will help save time in detecting the leak, thus saving you money.

If you don't hear any sound from your hose bibs, use the same process inside your house with the indoor faucets.

3. Meter Line

Is your main water line leaking? Shut off the shut-off valve and every faucet and water-using appliance in your home. Leave it as is for 20 minutes before you return to check the reading on the water meter. If it has changed, or if it continues to run, your meter line may have a leak. Outdoor leaks may result in wet spots, puddles or overzealous growth on patches of grass.

4. Toilets

If your toilet is making a hissing sound, it might be leaking. Remove the top of your cistern and listen carefully. If you can't hear a sound, simply add some food coloring to the tank and go drink a cup of coffee. Return to the toilet after about 20 minutes and lift the lid of the bowl. Is there color in the bowl? That means you have a leak that has allowed the water in. Do this with all your toilets.

5. Water Tanks

If your hot water tank's pressure relief valve is plumbed into the drain, it may well be leaking without your knowledge. If the drain pipe can't be removed, listen for a hissing sound which might indicate a leak.

Other places where you might find leaks, include the shower heads and faucets in your home, and the pipes under your kitchen and bathroom sink. Look inside the cabinets.

If your water bill is still high, but you're unable to find a leak, call Anta Plumbing. We use specialized leak detection equipment to quickly and accurately find leaks.