Plumbing is an absolute necessity for any structure with human occupants, whether it's an office or a home. Over time, the water lines may suffer wear and tear, causing them to leak. If not monitored, in the short term, they can cost you a lot of money in excess water bills.
In the long term, a water leak can cause costly structural damage to your house or office. Prevent extensive damage to your residential or commercial building by watching out for water leaks and having them repaired immediately.
Here are 5 tips for water line leak detection in your building.
Monitor the Water Bill and Meter
Keep an eye on your meter and know the amount of water you use, say weekly or monthly. If you notice a dramatic rise in units of water used, then you may have a leak in your premises. You can also detect a leak by keeping a record of the water bill you pay.
For instance, if your bill spikes and continues to rise every month even with your water usage remaining the same, then you may have a water leak, and you may require the services of a professional. This may also be the case if the meter is still running even with all the taps shut off.
Keep an Ear Out for Dripping or Running Water
If the water line services a small premise, listen for a dripping sound when the taps and showers are turned off. The sound may direct you to where the leak is, allowing you to take corrective measures.
Examples of items likely to make dripping sounds are sinks and showers.
Keep an Eye Out for Microbial Growths
A damp environment caused by water line leakage can cause the growth of mould and mildew in the premises. Some of the areas likely to have such growths are cabinets and joints along the waterlines.
The extent of the water leak and the time frame determines the amount of mould and mildew growing in your premises.
Check for Water Stains on the Walls, Floors and Other Surfaces
Even if your surfaces are still dry, the presence of moisture in your walls will cause water stains on the walls and floors. The stains may be in the form of discolouration. If the leak is small, the leak may be small and may not have caused a lot of damage yet.
If the stains have started to warp and are large, then the leak may be large and causing extensive damage. Other signs can include the peeling of wallpaper, peeling of wall paint, or even floor discolouration.
Finding the source of the water leak can significantly reduce the plumbing bills. Use the above tips to trace the source of the water leak, and contact a plumber once you have. If you cannot find the leak but notice a spike in your bills or water usage, contact the plumber and benefit from the professional services they provide.
