In most cases, domestic water is "measured" in order to send you a bill to pay. A leak in the pipes can be an expensive thing. However, even a small loss can be found with a few simple tricks, which could save you a nasty surprise in your next bill. If you realize you have a leak, here's what to do before calling a plumber. The more you do, the less it will cost you in the future!
Steps
Method 1 of 6: Boiler
Step 1. Check the pressure relief valve in the boiler
Sometimes these valves can be connected directly to the exhaust pipe and may leak without you noticing. If you are unable to remove the tube, check if it makes a sound like hissing, in that case there may be leakage.
Method 2 of 6: Flush
Step 1. Check the toilet by removing the bin lid and listening carefully
If you hear a hiss, try to figure out where it comes from. If you identify the area of origin, consider fixing it. If you are not able, call the plumber.
- If you find nothing, add some food coloring to the tub (not the cup). Wait a few minutes and if you find the color in the cup, then you have a leak in the valve at the bottom of the tank, the one that allows the water to flow down. At this point you need to consider whether you are able to carry out the repair or if it is better to call a plumber.
- If you have more than one toilet, repeat the process in each one to make sure you obviously don't have any other leaks.
Method 3 of 6: Measure the flow rate
Step 1. If the toilets are okay, check the pipes that bring water into the house
It may sound difficult but you can save a lot of money if you manage to place the leak before calling the plumber.
- If you know where the water valve is, close it temporarily and check the meter by opening the lid and looking at the dial.
- If you can't see it, dig - sometimes the counters are covered in dirt or grass. Once you find it and the valve is closed, check if the display keeps spinning. In that case, there is a leak between the meter and the house.
- At this point, walk in the area between the meter and the valve. Look for signs of a leak such as muddy areas, greener grass in one spot than the rest of the lawn, or growing faster. If you find any obvious evidence, call the plumber or see if you can do the repair yourself.
- If the valve is closed and the meter does not advance, then the leak is somewhere in the house. Try other techniques to find it.
Method 4 of 6: Wall Faucets
Step 1. Then try to find the leak in the house
Start with the wall faucets (these are the ones where garden hoses attach, in case you don't know!). Usually in a normal house there are two, one on the front and one on the back, look for them and listen carefully.
- Once you have found the taps, take a screwdriver, preferably a long one to allow you to work properly and insert the metal tip directly into the nose of the tap. Put your thumb knuckle on the screwdriver and another knuckle on the side of your head, in front of your ear. The sound will travel directly to your eardrum. The idea is that the screwdriver acts as a stethoscope. It also works for metal valves.
- Listen carefully to any sound emitted from the tap. If you feel something, remember where (mark with chalk) and move on to the next. If the sound intensifies at one of the taps then the leak is close to that particular unit. Take note and call the plumber - by giving him this information, the plumber will save you a lot of time and you the related costs.
- If, on the other hand, you don't hear any sound, go into the house and follow the same procedure with the screwdriver in the taps of sinks, tubs, boilers, etc. (be careful not to burn yourself with hot water). If you are unsure, contact the plumber directly.
Method 5 of 6: Other Losses
Step 1. Check the garden
Examine pipes, taps, and the sprinkler system.
Step 2. Check the shower phone
It should be pretty straightforward to fix it in this case.
Step 3. If you have a swimming pool, it is important to check for any leaks that may be there
Method 6 of 6: Getting closer is Useful
Step 1. In many cases it can be very difficult to locate the leak
Not all of the possible ones are highlighted in this article, and if you are not an expert in plumbing you may be missing out on something important. If you try the vented solutions, you should at least be able to roughly locate the leak and this is a useful exercise, because it will help the plumber (many don't like wasting time looking for the problem and everything you do to avoid it will be appreciated), saving him money. time, which will result in substantial savings for you.
Advice
If you are able to locate the general area of your leak, the plumber will be able to confirm and narrow it down using a dedicated tool
Warnings
- Never dig or split without understanding exactly where the leak is because you could get physically injured and end up causing great financial damage. If you are not sure, always call an expert!
- If you suspect the leak is in the boiler, call an expert. Don't put the screwdriver in it. You could cut a few wires or puncture the boiler.
- Very important! If you find a leak and decide to try to fix it, better call the other service providers to have them come and check! If you live in the United States, most states have a dedicated office for these issues.
- If you plan on fixing a leak in the toilet, ask yourself how old the house is first. You may find that fixing one leak causes another because there are gaskets, pipes, or other old things.
