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Ever feel like your home might be playing host to a secret water waster, lurking in the shadows and stealthily creeping up your bills? We've all been there. But fear not! Today, we're embarking on a journey of leak detection - an adventure that'll allow you to try your hand at being the Sherlock Holmes of slow water leaks.
So, grab your magnifying glass, put on your detective cap, and get ready to uncover the clues that'll save both your hard-earned dollars and Mother Earth's most precious resource.
Let's turn leak detection into a quest, making it as exciting as discovering hidden treasure—only this time, the treasure is a leak-free haven. Are you ready? Let the leak-fighting adventure begin!
Why Check for Water Leaks?
Water leaks in your home or business should be a significant concern because of the severe damage and other problems it can cause to your property. No matter the leak's size, you can expect it to cause several issues on your property.
The best way to ensure that the water leaks don't cause any adverse effects on your property is to know some signs showing that the problem exists. Continue reading to explore signs that water leaks slowly on your commercial or residential property in Australia.
Damp and moist parts in your home
Water in your home is found in toilets, baths, sinks and other areas. It also moves inside pipes around your house walls, underfloor, and ceilings. Water can escape from these sources, which is when you start seeing damp places around your home.
You will realise that water leaks slowly if you find damp patches on your ceilings, your yard where the pipes pass, walls, bricks, concrete pavements and others. You may also have an irrigation system slow leak if you find a patch in your yard where the grass grows better than the rest of the part around it.
Higher water bill than usual
If you realise that your water bill has increased while you have yet to increase water usage in your home or business, chances are high that there is a leak. Even a minor leak can lead to thousands of water gallons wastage and increase your water bill. Note that you may have underground water leaking, so it may take time to recognise it.
This type of slow leak can give you stress, wondering why your bills are increasing every month. With such issues, hiring a plumber to inspect your plumbing system regularly for such hard-to-notice underground water leaks is always advisable.
Hear water sounds
Water constantly moves through your main water pipes. In most cases, you will not hear the water flowing because the pipes are in a closed system. If the water system has an issue, you will listen to the water flowing down the pipe.
You can hear the sounds behind closed cupboards and cabinets or inside or outside your walls. These sounds indicate a slow leak that needs immediate attention before it causes severe damage.
Reduced water pressure
Sediment buildup in your pipes, broken valves and water leaks are the most common causes of low water pressure. When there is even a minor leak, the water flowing through the pipes will reduce, leading to low pressure. You can quickly determine a leak if there is a drop in pressure while no other fixture is running.
Mildew and mould
Wet surroundings are conducive to the growth of mould and mildew. Some types of moulds have a short growth cycle of about twenty-four hours. Mildew and mould are susceptible to growth in an always-wet location, and these conditions signify a minor water leak.
Mould causes respiratory problems, making your home unhealthy. Mould spores disperse into the atmosphere, where they can harm your lungs if you breathe them. Mould frequently has a musty smell, making it an easy sign of leak detection in your home.
Sagging ceiling
A sagging ceiling is another indication of a leak between levels. This points to a pipe leak dripping a small amount of water, eventually accumulating to a point where your ceilings can collapse if not fixed quickly. Note that a sagging ceiling can fall, leading to further damage to your appliances and other fixtures in your house.
Corroded or rusted pipes
If your property is old, you have likely galvanised steel pipes that are more vulnerable to corrosion and rust. If you have minor leaks, these pipes will corrode slowly, leading to leaks.
You can detect corrosion on exposed pipes if you find signs of staining, discolouration, apparent rust or flaking. The best solution if you have these pipes on your property is to replace them with PVC pipes that don't corrode.
Condensation and high humidity
This can be tricky because different high humidity and condensation forms can occur in your home. Humidity and time of the year differ from one room to the other. As you can expect, higher condensation can occur in your bathroom after a shower or bath during the cold season. However, if you find more condensation than usual on the windows, you should check if there is a minor leak somewhere.
Structural changes
Moisture in materials like wood, plaster, concrete and brick is at low levels in your commercial or residential property in Australia. The moisture level can change slightly based on the environment, though the level is usually stable.
A minor leak can lead to changes in your structure, so you need to check for signs of cracks in ceilings, walls and floors. If you find spongy floors, bubbling of ceilings, wallpaper, walls and others, these are indications there is a slow leak.
Peeling paint
Peeling paint is another early sign of a slow leaking that has occurred for some time. When the paint gets damp, it no longer sticks to the wall, making it peel away. You may also find the paint cracking or blistering, making the wall have flakes.
Meter running constantly
You can also determine a water leak if all your fixtures are shut off but your water meter is still running. This shows that there is a place within your water system where there is a leak that needs to be assessed and fixed. You can call your plumber to have the water meter diagnosed and fixed. If it needs to be replaced, you should contact your water provider.
How Do You Prevent Slow Water Leaking?
As mentioned above, water leaks, no matter how slow they are, can damage your property severely. So, taking the necessary initiatives to avert the issue is good. Here are some of the most effective ways to prevent slow water leaks in your home.
Perform regular inspections
It would be best if you created a schedule with your plumber to conduct regular system inspections. During the inspection, they should check your boiler, bathroom and bathroom plumbing systems, hot water systems and all others to ensure they are in good condition. Your plumber will detect issues that require immediate attention to avert plumbing issues such as leaks.
Use quality materials
To prevent leaks, it is also advisable to use high-quality plumbing materials. With high-quality workmanship, it is hard for the materials to be compromised, leading to slow leaking. Ensure you have high-quality pipes, fixtures, and appliances in your bathroom, kitchen and other areas that can withstand strong impacts without getting damaged.
Install water leak sensors, detectors, and alarms
Water leak alarms and other devices don't predict water leaks, but they warn you when they happen and cause havoc on your property. With the advancement of technology, leak sensors can alert you on your phone when you aren't at your property and quickly fix the issue.
Proper drainage maintenance
Water leaks mainly occur due to problems within your drainage system that would be prevented if you perform regular maintenance. Ensure you remove gutters, unclog the drains, replace old fixtures and others.
You should also remove trees near your drainage system to avoid blocking the pipes, leading to bursting and leaks. Plan with your plumber to perform the maintenance work to ensure a functional system.
Tap into Expert Wisdom: Your Leak-Free Allies Await
Well, mate, you've officially graduated from the Leak Detective Academy. Give yourself a high five; you're now the water-saving champion of your domain! But, here's the real tea – leaks can be sly, and sometimes, they need the expert touch of a plumber.
So, if you ever feel like the Houdini of leaks is outsmarting you, don't hesitate to call the pros. As you revel in your leak-free triumph, remember this isn't just about fixing drips. It's about embracing a leak-free lifestyle that transforms your home into a haven of sustainability.
Cheers to you, the guardian of water, the conqueror of leaks, and the eco-warrior of the century. May your faucets run smoothly and your bills stay delightfully low!
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