The plumbing system in your home is made up of a complex network of pipes, drains and sewage lines. A small leak at any point in the plumbing network can result water damage and waste in virtually any area of your home. The master plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing are pleased to share these tips about locating leaks in and around your home.
Common Plumbing Fixture Leaks
The most common types of plumbing leaks include leaking toilet flappers and dripping kitchen, bathroom and laundry room faucets, showerheads and spigots. Replacing the washer in a single dripping faucet can save more than 3,000 gallons of water every year.
You can test to see if your toilet is leaking water by placing a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank. If there’s a leak in the toilet flapper, the colored water will seep into the toilet bowl within 30 minutes. A plumber from Benjamin Franklin can make quick work of a toilet leak plumbing repair, which should improve the toilet’s performance and save you money on your water bills. A plumbing installation like a new water-saving toilet can save you even more.
Indoor Pipe Leaks
A check on your home’s water meter is an effective way to determine if there’s a leak inside your home. Make a note of the meter’s readings, avoid using any water for an hour, and then check the meter again to see if the readings have altered. For accuracy, be sure to turn off water-using appliances like ice-makers and automatic sprinkler systems before conducting this test.
Underground Leaks
Leaks in underground piping outdoors can be more challenging to detect. Signs of underground leaks include:
- Unusual wet or dry spots in landscaped areas.
- A noticeable drop in water pressure, flow or volume.
- Dirt, rust or air flowing from faucets and showerheads.
- Cracks in paved outdoor areas.
When you want to make sure that plumbing leaks aren’t damaging your home, leak detection services from the pros at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing are your best bet. Our leak repair techniques include non-invasive video camera inspections that can pinpoint the leak’s location with precision. To schedule service, call us today.