Leak Detection within a Plumbing System
Visually check the kitchen and bathroom sink areas for any signs of leaks.
Various things can go wrong with a plumbing system, but the most common plumbing problem is leaky pipes. For a home's plumbing to run successfully, several different pipes, connectors, and drains must work together as part of the plumbing system.
What causes leaks to occur in a plumbing system
Water chemistry
Old plumbing in a home
The pH of the water
The oxygen level in the water
The temperature of the water and surrounding areas of the pipe
The amount of water pressure running through the pipe
How to tell if a home is suffering from leaks in the plumbing system
Sometimes, a leak is easily visible but other times it can be hidden underground or inside the walls. Either way, there are common signs that indicate a home may have leaking pipes in the plumbing system. Here are a few areas to check where leaks are often found.
Check bathroom and kitchen fixture
Visually check the kitchen and bathroom sink areas for any signs of leaks. If a home has a garbage disposal, checking for signs of leaking water around and under the pipes is wise. A homeowner can also check for a leak in a kitchen or bathroom by turning off the fixtures and listening for any signs of running or dripping water.
Check water pressure
If the water pressure in a bathroom isn't as strong as usual, there might be a leak. A professional plumber can further inspect the plumbing system for a leak within the water pipes.
Swimming pools
A typical outside leak is commonly associated with swimming pools. The pail test is a method to check if a pool is leaking. Place a container on the pool steps and mark the water line inside and outside the bucket. Wait at least 24 hours, then inspect the container. If the water level is in the same place, that indicates there is no leak. However, if the water level has dropped, there is a leak in the swimming pool.
Outdoor leaks
Outdoor leaks are a crucial piece of the leak check process. Similar to interior leaks, outside leaks could be challenging to detect. An easy test can locate some of the previously mentioned leaks, even if they are not noticeable. But other leaks might occur outside the home, which could be more challenging to locate. For example, if all the mentioned leak sources have been exhausted, but the water bill continues to rise, there might be a concealed leak on the property.
Irrigation systems
For irrigation systems, the best method to look for leaks is to turn the system on and inspect for defective sprinkler heads. An additional indication of a sprinkler leak is very green spots in the yard.
Check the water meter
The water meter can be helpful with locating hidden leaks. For this test, ensure all appliances around the house that require water are shut off, including automated devices and appliances like pumps, filters, and ice machines. If there is water in the meter housing case, there's likely a leak somewhere. The meter's face has a flow indicator that spins when water flows in the pipes.
When a water bill increases, it's something a homeowner will likely notice. If the regular water usage routine at home has stayed the same, but the water bill has gone up, there's a chance the plumbing system has a leak.
Simba Plumbing offers residential and commercial plumbing services to Phoenix and surrounding areas. We are family-owned, meticulous and provide affordable, transparent pricing. Call us at 602-962-3537.
