Leak Detection and Repair

When it comes to our homes, water is like a lifeline. We need it for everything – to shower, wash dishes, wash clothes, flush toilets, feed our lawns, and more. But when it comes to leaks, water is clearly the enemy.
The best way to avert a potential disaster is early detection. If you suspect you might have a leak, here’s how to know for sure.

• Compare your water bills. Your monthly water bill is fairly predictable. If your water habits haven’t changed, then neither should your bills. It should remain within the same range month to month.

• Check your water meter. More so than your water bill, your water meter can quickly tell you if you have a leak. In order to check your meter, you’ll first have to turn off all the water in your home. Then, check to see if the dial is moving. If it is, there’s a good chance you have a leak.

• Conduct the toilet test. If you’re trying to find the cause of the leak, it’s a good idea to start with the toilets. They’re often prime sources of interior leaks. To test for leaks, add a few drops of food coloring to your toilet tank and wait a few minutes. If the coloring appears in the bowl, it means the toilet tank is leaking.

• Call a plumber. Conducting the food coloring test to pinpoint or rule out a source is a good idea, but leaks don’t just happen inside the home. That’s why it’s important to call a licensed plumber. After all, if the leak is somewhere within the piping system underground, you’ll never be able to find it. Only a professional plumber with the proper equipment and knowledge will locate it.

Water leaks can happen in any home, but a leak is significantly more common in older homes because the plumbing systems are reaching their life expectancy. If your home is over 25 years, it’s wise to be especially vigilant. Consider calling a plumber once a year for an annual inspection. A fully licensed and knowledgeable professional will check for leaks and potential problems, including appliance connections and oxidation or discoloration on hoses and valves.

A small water leak can quickly become major water damage. If you suspect you might have a leak in your plumbing system, contact Raider Rooter. We have been helping clients resolve their plumbing problems since 1978. Let us put our expertise to work for you.