Detecting In-Home Water Leaks 

When many people imagine water leaks, they imagine dripping faucets and showerheads. They rarely think of other signs, such as mold and mildew growth indicating a plumbing problem. However, these and other signs can point to a serious leak. If left unaddressed, leaks can cause water damage and cause money to be wasted on water bills. 

When homeowners recognize the signs of a leak, they should take immediate action to remedy the issue by contacting a professional for leak detection. Plumbers can rely on their tools, years of experience, and training to find and fix leaks. Some signs of a water leak include: 

Hissing or Running Water Sounds 

At first, one may attribute the sounds of hissing or running water to a roommate or family member showering. However, if no plumbing fixtures or appliances are in use, and the sound persists, this could point to a leak. Here’s an easy way to check if the sound is indicative of a leak: 

• First, the homeowner should pinpoint where the sound is coming from or where it sounds the loudest. They can mark the area with a pencil for future reference. 
• Then, they should turn off the home’s water supply. The valve could be located under the kitchen sink, in the basement, or on the side of the house. 
• Finally, the homeowner should return to where they located the running water sound. If the sound stops, there’s likely a leak behind the wall. If not, then this could point to another issue, such as a gas leak. Both require immediate attention and should not be left unaddressed. 

Low Water Pressure from Various Sources 

Another sign of a hidden leak is low water pressure. This could be evident in the shower, sink, or side-yard hose. One may even notice that the dishwasher or washing machine isn’t functioning properly. 

When water escapes the plumbing system, this causes a noticeable difference in water pressure. To locate the source of the leak, a plumber may rely on a specialized tool that uses soundwaves. They’ll know what frequency points to healthy water pressure and what indicates a leak. 

Higher Water Bills 

The water meter cannot tell the difference between water that homeowners use and water that escapes the plumbing system due to leaks. Homeowners will be charged for all water usage, intentional or otherwise, so higher than normal water bills point to a leak. 

Every homeowner should have a basic idea of how much their water bill is each month. Any deviation from that amount could point to unintended water usage or a leak. Homeowners can check their water usage by checking their online water billing accounts. There, they can track how much they've spent on water bills in the past to compare with more current bills.

About Vern Kummers Plumbing, Inc. 

Vern Kummers Plumbing, Inc. has over four decades of experience serving Green Bay, WI, and the surrounding areas. Readers of the Green Bay Press-Gazette voted them “Best in the Bay” five years in a row. They provide honest pricing, on-time arrivals, and fast turnarounds. Call them for water leak detection in Green Bay, WI.

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