An unidentified water leak in the home can turn into a costly problem if you don’t fix it quickly. Leaking water in the bathroom, shower, basement, kitchen or other area of the home can not only cause your electricity bill to skyrocket, it can gradually cause major damage to surrounding areas that will cost even more to repair. Read on to discover the top 5 signs of a water leak and what you can do to put a stop to it to prevent further issues.
Pools or Rivers of Water Around Fixtures
This is the most obvious sign that you have a leak somewhere in your home. If you spot puddles of water or rivers of water that run alongside your bathtubs, under the kitchen sink or behind the shower and toilet, there’s a good chance that there is a water leak. This could mean a simple seal replacement or be a sign of something more major that requires a professional plumber.
Check the Water Metre
The leak indicator on your water metre is a great way to determine whether you have a water leak. First, turn off all of the water outlets in your home for at least 30 minutes. Make a record of your meter reading or where the needle on the water metre is sitting at the start. After around 2 hours, check it again. If the needle has moved or the number has increased, you have a leak somewhere.
Loose Tiles In The Shower
Another sign of a water leak is loose tiles or drywall in the shower. If there is a water leak, water can cause the drywall or tiles to loosen, crumble or come off altogether as it weakens over time. You’ll typically spot this happening around the showerhead.
Bad Odour Around The Sinks
Kitchen and bathroom sink leaks are difficult to spot because they usually occur at the back of the cabinet out of sight. The first sign you get may be a bad odour coming from the base of the sink as it starts to rot from leaking water. The water will eventually trickle down onto the floor where you may also notice warping of the tiles or stains.
Cracked Grout and Caulking Around Bathtub
Bathtub leaks can cause significant damage to surrounding areas. If you see a path of water, follow it to see where it leads. It may be coming from cracked and missing grout or caulking located around the edges of the bathtub.
Water Leak Detection on the Gold Coast
Barker Plumbing Services are a highly qualified plumber on the Gold Coast with over 30 years’ experience in water leak plumbing and leak repair. We’re led by master plumber Jeff Barker who personally does each job himself to ensure exceptional and long-lasting results every time. We also offer expert advice and reliable service that you can count on. If you have a water leak or burst pipe in your home, give us a call today to make an appointment.