5 Tips to find hidden water leaks

If you live in an older Gatineau house, you need to be always observant of your plumbing system. When trying to find water leaks, we usually check in the most obvious places, like under the sink, searching for signs of mould or rancid smells. But sometimes, it is necessary to be more detailed and check all possible hidden places where you might have a water leak to avoid a more significant issue. Leaks in out-of-sight areas can be hard to notice, but you can prevent a hidden leak from becoming an exposed problem if you know which signs to look for.

This article will list the signs you need to pay attention to find leaks in your plumbing system.

Check the water meter.

Your water meter is an efficient way to check for water leaks. You just need to follow these steps:

  1. Turn your water off. You must shut off all faucets, and the washing machine and dishwasher should not be in use.
  2. Check if there are any changes to your water meter.  If it changes, you probably have a leak problem in your house.
  3. In case no changes happen, wait for a couple of hours. If the meter has changed even with the water shut after some hours, you have a slow-moving leak.

If you find a leak, call a plumber in Gatineau to arrange the needed repair.

Check your water usage.

This might seem obvious, but you must pay attention to your water usage. An average Canadian uses about 329L of water a day, so if your monthly consumption is way over the expected, it might mean you need a leak repair.

Toilet Dye Test

You can also check for leaks by examining your toilet to ensure it is working correctly. If there is a water leak, you can end up flushing a considerable amount of water. To find out if everything is fine, you can use the dye test. You will only need food colouring. Apply some drops of it in the toilet tank and wait for a few minutes. If you find colour in the bowl, water is leaking from the tank without flushing the toilet.

Check The Faucets Outside the House

People often forget to check outdoor faucets if they don’t use them a lot. You can check it by attaching a garden hose and turning the water on; if there is a leak, you will see water seeping through the connection. If you have an irrigation system, it is a good idea to check it too.

Pay attention to the water bill.

This is the classic sign. If your water bill is too high and you have not made any changes in your consumption, you might have leak problems. If you checked all the pipes and possibilities and have not found the leak, remember they might be underground or inside the walls, so we advise you to call for professional plumbing services.

I found a leak!

If you found a leak or did not find it but think there might be one in your house, contact Plombier Gatineau. We offer expert water leak plumber services for Gatineau residents. We are available 24/7 for emergencies and can help you with several plumbing services. You can trust our professionals for all your plumbing needs.