Heard a dripping sound in the night, or found a tiny puddle under the sink? This could be a sign of a leaking pipe. But it’s sometimes difficult to be sure, or to find the exact source of the leak so you can get it fixed.
Read on for some handy tips for detecting a leak, to help you find and fix leaking pipes in your home.
1. Look for the Obvious Signs – Dripping, Puddles and Damp Patches
Some pipe leaks are more obvious than others. You may have a dripping tap, or be able to hear a repetitive dripping noise coming from inside a wall or under a floor. The first step should be to turn off anything that makes noise, and listen carefully for any signs of dripping.
You should also go from room to room, systematically checking each for signs of damp. This could include mould and mildew growth, damp patches and water stains, or perhaps even cracks or more serious damage.
Touch the walls in these places to see if they’re actively wet. If so, you need to call in a plumber or a leak detection expert to find and fix the source of the leak – before the situation gets any worse.
It’s also a good idea to check inside cupboards (i.e. under sinks) and anywhere else you can access. Look for signs of dripping, puddles or standing water, using a torch or perhaps taking photos with your phone (with the flash on) to help you see behind units.
2. Do the Water Meter Test
A simple way to detect a leak is to carry out a water meter test. Don’t worry, this isn’t anything technical or complicated.
All you need to do is turn off any appliance or fixture that uses water, then make a note of the reading on your water meter (if you have one). Leave it at least an hour or perhaps a few hours, then check the meter again. If the reading has gone up, it could be a sign of a leak in your pipework.
3. Check Your Water Bills
Similar to the water meter test, you can also check your water bills to see if your water usage has increased. Of course, this only works if you are billed according to water meter readings. If you don’t have one, skip to the next tip.
4. Check Your Water Pressure
There isn’t a specific test you can do at home to determine whether your water pressure has changed. But you’re likely to notice it if it’s dropped significantly. This can happen when water is exiting the system through the leak, rather than reaching fixtures like your sink or shower. Try turning taps and showers on individually to see if you notice any differences.
5. Call in a Leak Detection Specialist
The problem with leaking pipes is that most aren’t visible or accessible. Water also tends to run along pipes, so the visible signs of a leak don’t always match up to where the leak originates.
Both of these make it really difficult to find leaks concealed behind walls or underneath floors. The last thing you want to do is pull up floorboards or make holes in plasterboard, so an alternative approach is needed.
A leak detection company will send in an assessor to investigate the problem, and they’ll use non-invasive methods to pinpoint the leak. This includes using thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters, both of which can be used without damaging walls.
If you want to find a hidden leak, this is likely to be the fastest way to do it.
