How to Check and Fix a Water Leak in Your Home

As a homeowner, you might have encountered some kind of plumbing leak or problem before. Some might have experienced leaks, frozen pipes, or pipe clogging which are more obvious and easy to detect. However, there are also plumbing problems like loose connections which are located under your floorings. This is hard to detect and an inexperienced homeowner won’t notice. 

The sooner you can detect a leak or plumbing problem, the sooner you can have it fixed. But, to fix the problem, you need to know what the problem is and where it is located. You can call your professional plumber, like MidCity Plumber, or continue reading to check whether you have a leak problem and how to fix it.

Here are ways you can check if you have any water leak problems in your home.

Check pipes and plumbing fixtures for a water leak

It is easier to detect leaks if they are visible. For example, your pipe froze or burst. You will see sprays of water coming out of your pipes. You will know instantly that you need pipe replacement.

Checking the hidden water pipes and plumbing fixtures, like pipe fittings under the floor or within the wall, is the challenging one. You need to keep an eye out for various telltale signs you have a water leak. Here are a few:

• Wall, ceiling, or floor discoloration: They are usually yellowing or brownish. Discoloration can indicate there is a leak behind your wall, under your floors, or over your ceiling, and it is soaking to the front.

• Bulging wallpaper or bubbling paint: When the wallboard is wet, the paint and the wallpaper will not stick to the wall tightly forming a bulge or bubbling.

• Dripping sound: You will not hear all leaks. Some are silent while some will cause a dripping sound that you can hear.

• Visible mildew or molds: When the walls, ceilings, and floorings are constantly damp or wet, mildew and molds tend to grow. This will also lead to a strange, musty smell.

Keep an eye on the water meter for a water leak

If you think you have a water leak at home, you should monitor your water meter. Find your water meter, it is usually located on the side or back of your house, near your water supply line. 

To check whether you have a leak using your water meter, here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Turn off all the faucets, showers, washing machines, and dishwashers in your home. Make sure your sprinklers and any appliance using water are off.
2. Go to your water meter. Note and write down the numbers you see. Leave your water meter for an hour and check again. If there are any changes in the numbers while all the faucets, showers, and sprinklers are turned off, then there is a leak somewhere in or outside of your house.

Regularly check the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry sink for any water leak

Regularly monitor your bathroom, kitchen, laundry area, or anywhere where water is usually used. Look for puddles around the bases of the toilets, showerheads, and bathtubs.  For dishwashers, water heaters, and washing machines, check underneath. 

If you see any puddles, turn off your water supply valve for that specific appliance or fixture then call your local plumber.

Add a water leak detector to your home

The most common and easiest way to detect a water leak is by adding a water leak detector. Leak detectors are specially created and designed to emit a shrill alarm when it detects any water leak. This device can even detect a tiny amount of water leaking. This way you will instantly be notified if there is water leakage.

Once you are sure you have a water leak, turn off the water supply and call MidCity Plumbers for all your mid city plumbing needs. 

Learn the basics of repairing a water leak

Once you are 100% sure you have a water leak at home, it is now time to repair it. You can call your plumber but there are times when you need to act as soon as possible to avoid any more damages to your property. However, there are different steps to take depending on which part of your home or where the leak is located.

Sink

If you have a dripping sink, all you will need is a wrench and a plumber’s tape or putty. 

1. Remove all the contents of your cabinets under and on top of your sink.
2. Turn the knob clockwise to tighten the plumbing connections.
3. Get your plumber’s tape or putty and reinforce the seals. Wrap the seals carefully.

Toilet

If your toilet tank is leaking, you need a new flapper valve.

1. Take the flush chain off and remove the flapper valve. 
2. Bring your old flapper valve and go to your local hardware store.
3. Replace the valve with the new one.

Bathtub or Shower

Lastly, to fix your bathtub and shower leaks, you will need a caulk, an adjustable wrench, and a plumber’s tape. 

1. Get your adjustable wrench and tighten the showerhead to the pipe stem. If it is old and worn out, replace the showerhead.
2. Seal the fitting. Wrap the plumber’s tape between the showerhead and pipe stem.
3. If your tub is leaking, use caulk to replace the seal.

When to call a professional plumber for a water leak

Doing DIYs to fix your water leak problems is good. However, not all leak problems can be fixed by tape and a wrench. There are also instances where you are only fixing the superficial ones but not dealing with the main or root of the problem. In these cases, it is best to call a professional plumber for more thorough and reliable plumbing. 

MidCity Plumbers offers excellent plumbing services. We have many experienced and licensed professionals to help fix any water leak. Whether you have faulty water pipes in your walls, ceilings, floorings, or anywhere inside or outside your home, we can help you! Give us a call at  📞 (778) 772-8676 or contact us and let MidCity Plumbers fix your water leak problems.

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