How to detect a Water Leak

You know you have a leak when your water bill has suspiciously increased. If that happens, then don’t waste time and investigate where that water leak is. The most common culprits would be the toilets, faucets, service lines and sprinklers. Finding the leak would not only save money but it could help you conserve water.

Before you go checking the rooms to look for the leakage, make sure there is no water being used. Then locate your water meter. This would be the best way to determine a water leak.

Look at your leak indicator which is the small triangular shaped dial that moves when the water is flowing through the meter.  If it is moving even for a little bit then you have a leak. You can also wait 1 to 2 hours after the first meter reading then look at it again. If it changes then it is positive that you have a water leak. The color and shape of a dial may vary depending on the brand.

Now, that you are certain that you have a leak then you can play detective by finding the main source. As what has mentioned earlier, the most common places to find the leaks are the toilets, faucets, service lines and sprinklers so start from there. If you are unable to find the leak then you may need to call a plumber.

Toilet Leak

Leaking toilets can waste hundreds of gallons of water and you wouldn’t even know it. A small leak can even add up to a lot of wasted water. Usually the leak is caused by worn or misaligned parts of the toilet.

To detect if you have a leaking toilet, remove the tank lid and put a few drops of food coloring in the back of the tank. Wait for about 30 minutes without flushing the toilet. Look at the toilet to see if the food coloring has come through. If it is clear then you don’t have a leak but if you see the color then you have a toilet leak.

Faucet Leak

Mostly, this is a result of a worn rubber washer. It is usually located under the handle. With the right tools, you can easily replace it. Check your local hardware store for the tools and how to repair the leak.

Underground and Pipe Leak

A leaking service line or pipe can add up to a significant water loss even if it’s a small leak. You’ll know that you have an underground leak when you see wet patches that don’t dry. Also find an evidence of a water flow. It can be a puddle that doesn’t dry up or a darker spot. You can also look at your water meter. If it still moves even if there is no water being used and that you have fixed other known leaks then you have an underground leak. You must need the leak to be repaired immediately.

The exact location of a leak may not be immediately obvious for some leaks may start at one location then flow along a ledge or other channels before creating a visible damage. Check for wet discoloration stains on your ceilings, floors, walls, etc. Check twice for the exact location of the leak. One way to prevent a water leak is to choose a good quality pipe. PP-R pipes have a good resistance to high internal pressure. Good impact strength at low temperature and excellent chemical resistance.

Q-Tech has the first-rate PP-R pipes and fittings.  For inquiries about PP-R pipes and fittings, visit our office at W12-B Benedict Ventures Building, Hernan Cortes St., Banilad, Mandaue City, 6014 Cebu, Philippines. Or contact Q-Tech at +6332.238.0034 and +6332.238.9593. Visit our website www.qtechpipes.com.