Leaks can be the silent killer in many homes, and when they are left unchecked, even minor water leaks can lead to mold, rotting wood, or foundation damage. So, basically a nightmare. Although you may not know there is a leak, there are signs that can lead you to believe you have one.
If you believe you do have a water leak, it’s important to give us a call. With our experienced plumbers on your side, you can feel confident in knowing we’ll take care of any leaks on your property. But, before you do that – let’s jump into how to find a water leak.
Check Your Water Meter
One of the simplest ways to figure out whether or not you have a water leak or not is by shutting off the faucets in your home and checking the water meter. If the water meter is still running, chances are, you have a leak.
Most homes have a pressure-reducing valve and pressure gauge located in either the basement, crawl space, or wherever the water supply enters the home. To use this, make sure all taps in and outside of your home are turned off, secure the pressure gauge to your outside tap, turn the tap on full, and review the readings.
If the pressure is lower than normal, you probably have a leak.
Leak Listening
While it cannot pinpoint the location of a leak, electric devices can effectively hear the presence of leaks in water lines. We don’t expect you to have one of these devices and that’s where we come in.
We have all the equipment to perform leak detection in your home! However, if there is a decent size leak and you can’t find any puddles or water buildup, chances are the leak is within the walls. You should be able to hear rushing water. If not, you’ll need a device.
Check Your Appliances
If you’re starting to see water spots coming through the ceiling or floors, check your appliances. Disconnect them from their power source and check around them to ensure the leak isn’t coming from them.
There are a couple ways to check whether your toilet has a leak or not. The first one is pretty simple – check around the toilet for any water spots. If you see any, you have a leak. The second one is a bit of a trick – throw some food coloring in the tank. Wait about 12 hours or so and if there is color in the bowl without flushing, that’s a good sign that you have a leak.
Pay Attention to Your Bills
If your water bill is a lot higher than you’re used to, you probably have a leak. This is a good sign that’ll let you know if you have a leak or not.
How Pilot Can Help with Leak Detection
Knowing that your plumbing has sprung a leak is excellent, but to repair the problem area, you must first find it. This is where Pilot Plumbing’s leak detection services come in handy.
Leaks are a relatively simple defect that plumbers resolve quickly with the right know-how, but only if they can locate the leak. Our hidden leak detection services are indispensable when dealing with a mystery leak.
Here’s how we find plumbing leaks:
- Inflatable Cut-Off Points: Our plumbers will work to narrow the location of the leak by using several inflatable balls to cut off water flow to several distinct sections of the lines.
- The Pressure is On: This process is repeated in areas that fail to maintain water pressure until our plumber can identify the portion containing the leak.
- Next Steps: Your plumber can either attempt to repair the designated area or continue to pinpoint the exact location of the drip.
Our Emergency Plumbing Services
When emergency plumbing is needed, we’re here to serve. Most plumbing is run behind walls and underground, meaning it’s difficult to see how much damage is being done without the proper equipment.
If you are experiencing flooding, sewer backups, burst pipes, have no running water, or suspect any other plumbing emergency, we can help.
We’ll take care of all of your emergency plumbing repairs, leak detection and repair, sewer line repair, and emergency hot water heater repair.
What is Considered a Plumbing Emergency?
Our emergency plumbing technicians in Vancouver, WA, are highly adept at managing and resolving an array of plumbing disasters. Some of the most frequent emergencies we’ve dealt with include flood risks and sewer backups. Let’s get into these emergency situations a little more.
- Flooding Risk: If you’re experiencing standing water due to a burst pipe, failed sump pump, or sewer backup, you should call an experienced emergency plumber ASAP. Flooding can cause significant, irreversible damage, costing you thousands of repairs and weeks of headaches. Our expert technicians know things can break at the most inconvenient times, which is why we always have a plumber standing by when you need it the most.
- Sewer backup: Backed-up sewer lines are a health hazard that needs to be immediately dealt with. When sewage reaches its backup point, it can cause foul odors and cause your water to stop running altogether. These backups definitely constitute an emergency and require immediate attention. Our expert emergency plumbers are on-call and ready to deliver superior craftsmanship and guaranteed services.
- No Running Water: If your home is totally without water, this could be a sign of a main water line issue or something wrong within your home. If your neighbors have water and you don’t, it’s time to get in touch with a same-day plumbing company.
- Possible Pipe Burst: A burst pipe inside your home or garage is typically easy to spot. If something bursts under or around your home, it can take several hours for you to notice. Make sure you’re monitoring the water pressure and checking for standing water if something is off. A burst pipe is a plumbing emergency that must be dealt with ASAP.
Give Pilot Plumbing a Call
Pilot Plumbing’s satisfaction guarantee and service is the best in the business. If you’re not satisfied and we can’t make it right, we’ll refund you the money, no questions asked.
If you think you may have a leak, a plumbing emergency, or need a repair – reach out!
