Plumbing leaks are scary because they can go undetected for long periods of time, and eventually evolve into a devastating and costly renovation project. As a homeowner, it is important to learn how to detect plumbing leaks early, far before they can turn into a financial disaster. What’s worse is, some homeowners insurance policies do not cover certain water leak damages if they occurred as a result of homeowner negligence. For this reason and more, it is vital to take good care of your plumbing system, and have any small damages repaired as soon as they arise, including plumbing leaks.

There are several ways to detect plumbing leaks in your home, including looking for bubbling paint or wallpaper on the walls, stains on the ceiling, peeling wallpaper, dripping noises inside the walls or ceiling, and visible puddles on the floor or around the home’s foundation. But interestingly enough, many homeowners are unaware that there are other ways, unconventional ways, to detect leaks within plumbing system.

Continue reading to learn the top four, as well as, what to do if you find a water leak at home.

Your Lawn

In the summertime especially, lawns are subjected to inconsistent precipitation, causing them to experience patches of discoloration. So, if your lawn is typically patchy or dry, but all of a sudden you see lush green patches of grass in your yard, it could be indicative of an underground plumbing leak. Similarly, areas of your lawn that are experiencing heightened growth might also be a spot that is experiencing an underground water leak within the plumbing pipes. Even more indicative of an underground water leak is seeing standing water or puddles on your lawn, especially in areas that are not near any sort of plumbing fixture or water source.

Your Water Bill

Have you taken a closer look at your water bill lately? If your water bill seems to be increasing more and more every month, yet your daily water usages remain the same, it could be indicative of a plumbing leak. Plumbing leaks cause water waste, which in turn causes your water consumption to increase whether you are aware of it or not. Always be sure to record your monthly water bill totals, so that you can keep track of your monthly water consumption. Even if your water bill is only going up a fraction of amount, it could still be indicative of a water leak. It is best to have your plumbing system inspected by an Indianapolis plumber as soon as possible. As mentioned, you want to catch plumbing problems early on, far before they can turn into a plumbing disaster.

Your Water Meter

In addition to your water bill, you can take a look at your water meter to check for signs of a plumbing leak. See our blog, “How Your Water Meter Can Confirm Plumbing Leaks” to learn exactly how you can read your water meter, and how to apply the results to a water leak evaluation. Water meters are located outdoors, along the side of the house with the gas and electricity meters. Keep in mind, water meters can also malfunction, so if you see the signs of a water leak by reading your water meter, it is important to have it inspected by a licensed plumber for accurate results.

Your Toilet Bowl

Did you know you can add dye to your toilet bowl water to test for plumbing leaks? It’s true. Toilets are a prime spot for plumbing leaks to take place, so this toilet tank dye test is a great option for anyone who suspicious of having leaks within the plumbing system. Steer clear of clothing and fabric dies, and simply opt for your pantry’s food coloring. Add a few drops to all the toilet tanks in the house (not the bowl), but do not flush the toilet. After waiting several minutes, look in the toilet bowl. If you see the food coloring appearing inside the toilet bowl water, you can safely assume you have a toilet leak. In this case, you would need emergency plumbing services.

Indianapolis Plumbing Leak Repair and Water Leak Inspection Services

Call Weilhammer Plumbing at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional Indianapolis plumbing repair for water leaks, slab leaks, and home plumbing inspection services at an affordable price. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to answer your questions about plumbing repair, replacement, installation, maintenance, and more. We offer free advice and estimates as well.