Finding and fixing a water leak while it is still small can save you time and money. Some leaks are obvious – you see a puddle of water or hear the dripping. Other leaks can be hidden in the walls or underground and may take a little detective work. If you suspect a leak but aren’t sure, there are several things you can do to determine if you have a leak before you call in a plumber.

1. Check the water meter. Turn off all of the faucets, and make sure the dishwasher and washing machine are not running. Next, go outside and watch the water meter. If the meter is changing, you may have a fast running leak. If it doesn’t change, wait two hours (with the water still off) and check again. If the meter has changed, you may have a slow leak. The leak could be anywhere after the meter, even underground. If you hear water moving through the pipes with everything turned off, call the plumber.
2. Pay attention to your bill. If your water bill is rising, but your usage has stayed the same or declined, you may have a leak. Your water bill should stay within a certain range month to month. Consider whether you’ve had company or have been watering the lawn. If there is a huge leap in the bill, call the plumber.
3. Play with food coloring. Toilets account for as much as 30% of your water use, so you should check to make sure they’re working properly. To test for leaks, put a few drops of food coloring in the tank and wait ten minutes. If the color shows up in the bowl, you have a leak.
4. Check outside. Make sure your outside spigots are turned off when not in use. If you have an irrigation system or septic system, consider hiring a professional to conduct a yearly inspection. If you have a constant wet spot in your yard, call the plumber right away.
5. Be aware. Make it a habit to regularly check in the back of cabinets and under sinks for any signs of mold, mildew or foul smells that might indicate a leak. Prompt attention could save you thousands in repairs. Consider having a professional plumber make an annual inspection of your home to check for leaks or potential problems. Be especially vigilant if your home is more than 25 years old.  Your plumbing system may be over the hill regarding its life expectancy. Check all accessible connections at the water heater, pumps, washing machine hoses and valves for oxidation or discoloration – clear signs of a slow leak.

If you suspect a leak anywhere in your plumbing system, call in a plumber to make repairs as soon as possible. Don’t wait until it gets worse and you end up with water damage.

First Class Plumbing offers plumbing service 24/7, 365 days a year. Our trucks are fully stocked with all of the necessary tools, parts and piping needed to complete any plumbing repairs, drain clearing and more.

Call us today at 866-989-2837 or contact us through our website to work with licensed plumbers you can trust to get the job done right the first time!