DIY Leak Detection: What Works and What Doesn’t

If you’d rather have a trained and uniformed plumber handle the leak detection and repair, then contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing to speak with a live representative. Our team is on standby to take your call or message today.

How to Tell If You Have a Hidden Leak

A water leak is among the most common reasons why people call in for plumbing repair service; it can happen anywhere, anytime. Not all leaks make themselves obvious, though. Some hide behind drywall or under flooring for weeks before you notice a problem.

Luckily, your home will give you some signals. Watch out for:

• Unexplained spikes in your water bill. If your routine is the same but your water bill keeps climbing, then either the city is raising prices or you may be losing water somewhere.
• The sound of water running. Dripping sounds in the middle of the night is irksome for many reasons. Don’t ignore it.
• Musty odor. Persistent stuffy smell near walls or cabinets could mean water is collecting out of sight.
• Peeling wallpaper or bubbling paint. Moisture trapped behind walls or ceilings can show up as yellow or brown spots (water stains).
• Warm or damp patches on floors. This could mean a hot water line is leaking underneath.
• Low water pressure. This can mean you have a leak in the water line. Scary!

There is no good reason to brush off these clear warning signs. Water leaks do not heal like wounds do; they only get worse over time. Plus, Mr. Rooter Plumbing offers upfront price quotes and emergency service.

DIY Leak Detection: What Actually Works

While it’s always advisable to hire a trained and experienced plumber, there’s no reason to panic. Before calling a professional, try these DIY leak detection methods:

Check Your Water Meter: Turn off all water in your home (faucets, dishwashers, washing machines, etc.). Then, check your water meter. If it’s still moving, then you’ve likely got a leak somewhere in the system.

The Food Coloring Test for Toilets: Remove the tank lid and add a few drops of food coloring. Wait about 30 minutes without flushing. If you see color in the bowl, the flapper or valve is leaking.

Of course, you should also stay alert for the warning signs we mentioned above.

What Doesn’t Work

Not every “hack” you see online is worth trying. For example, skip the tips suggesting tape or glue. These might slow a leak, but they rarely hold up for long. Also, make sure to never over-tighten fittings. This can damage threads and the fittings, making the next repair a nightmare.

Frankly, there are many DIY “solutions” that have shocked us. When we got to one particular client’s home, we notice they’d tied a shirt around a leaking pipe, for instance.

If your DIY efforts confirm a leak, or if you simply can’t pinpoint the source, then call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to have a professional handle it. Our uniformed plumbers are background-checked, regularly-trained, and equipped with advanced tools.