Are your drains leaking? It can be hard to know because a lot of our plumbing is located under sinks and behind walls. Fortunately, there are clear signs that you have a leak and warning signs you need a plumber. Detecting a leak in your plumbing may be easy, especially if you have water damage in your home. Other times it can be a challenge and require a little sleuthing. Here are some ways to detect a drain leak as the blocked drains expert do.

Pay Attention to Your Water Meter

Your water meter tells you how much water you’ve used over a period of time. If you think you have a leak, try this simple test.

Shut off all faucets, and make sure no water-using appliances are running, such as the washer or dishwasher. Watch the water meter and see if it changes. If it does, you have a significant leak.

If it doesn’t change right away, make a note of the number, and then don’t use any water at your home for two hours. After two hours, check your water meter again. If the number has gone up, you have a slow leak in your plumbing system.

Your leak could be anywhere, even underground. You can look for it yourself or contact emergency plumber professionals like the team at Plumbing Authority Inc.

You Notice Mould or Water Damage

If you notice a musty smell in your home, it’s likely that you have moisture that’s causing problems. You might even notice discolouration in the walls or ceiling or see visible mould. All of these are signs that you have a leak.

Mould can cause serious health problems, including headaches, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. You might also struggle with allergies, asthma, and fatigue.

There’s no use in cleaning mould unless you’ve fixed the problem that caused it. Finding the source of the leak and solving the problem is essential.

Check Your Toilet For Leaks

A common spot for leaks is the toilet. You can check for leaks easily using food colouring. Just add a few drops of food colouring to the toilet tank and wait 10 minutes. If the colour shows up in your toilet bowl, then there is a leak from the tank.

If you find problems with your toilet or sewer line and you live in Winnipeg, be sure to contact professionals for Winnipeg drain cleaning. They can find leaks, make repairs, and ensure your plumbing system is running smoothly.

Check Exterior Leaks

You can have leaks outside your home as well. Look at your spigots and make sure that your irrigation system is inspected regularly. Even a small leak can cost you thousands of gallons of water a year.

If your home is older, is especially important to be vigilant about leaks. Your plumbing may be reaching the end of its useful life, or your pipes could be made of old materials. Consider having a plumber review your system and make recommendations for upgrades.

When you keep an eye on your plumbing, you’ll be able to detect leaks like a pro. This will save you thousands of dollars a year, on top of keeping your home safe and healthy. It pays to take these steps!