Where's that Freakin' Leak? - Page 4

Do-It-Yourself Leak Test

So how does a homeowner know he or she has a leak?

Some telltale signs include the sound of running water when all the water in the home is turned off, cracks in your flooring or walls, a hot spot on the floor (indicating a hot water line leak), puddles of moisture under carpets or mildew, and, of course, higher-than-normal water bills.

Another visual indicator is efflorescence on the side of the foundation on your home's exterior.

To really know for sure, run a meter test. It goes like this:

1. This test should be conducted for a 30-minute period, during which time no water is being used on the property.

2. Find your water meter, which is usually located in front of the house in a covered box near the street.

3. Write down the numbers indicated on the meter at the start of this test.

4. Return to check the meter reading after 30 minutes have passed.

5. If the numbers have not changed, you do not have a leak in your pressurized water system.

6. If the numbers have changed, continue with the following steps.

7. Shut off the valves under all toilets in the house, and repeat steps 1-4.

8. If the numbers have not changed, you may have a running toilet that should be serviced.

9. If the numbers have changed, this indicates water consumption, even though water was not being used during the test, and you may need plumbing leak detection.