A common question a Brisbane plumber will get is, “How can I find a water leak in my home?” It’s a fair question because they can cause serious damage to your home and finances, and a Brisbane plumber will see water leak-related problems dozens of times a week.
How would a Brisbane plumber recommend detecting a water leak?
Before you find where the water leak is coming from, you need to confirm you have a leak. Some leaks are easy to spot, like dripping taps or a leaking toilet, but many hidden leaks can go unnoticed, causing further damage to your property. One of the most reliable ways to detect a leak is by checking your water meter. Any Brisbane plumbing expert will tell you to do a water meter reading. To check for water leaks, note the reading of your water meter, don’t use any water for a couple of hours, and then take the reading again. If the reading has increased without any water consumption, then you likely have a leak.
If the leak isn’t obvious, it might be a concealed water leak in walls ceilings, ceilings and floors, or even exposed pipes. These hidden water leaks can lead to structural damage and costly repairs if left untreated. Leak detection services or a Brisbane plumber can assist with leak detection by using advanced tools to find undetected leaks.
Brisbane Plumber tips for finding a leak
Now that you know you have a leak, you’ll probably want to find the problem. Here are a few measures to help you find the leak.
Brisbane Plumber Leak Step 1 – Check the most common places for leaks
The first place a Brisbane Plumber will recommend looking is at the internal and external piping of common places for water leaks to occur. Here’s a Brisbane plumber’s list of the most common locations for a water leak:
- Leaking Taps
- Leaking toilet
- Expansion Valves for your hot water system
- Check walls, ceilings and floors for watermarks, water damage, mould, condensation, or warping
If this doesn’t help, try the more specific steps below.
Brisbane Plumber Leak Step 2 – Shut off your property’s hot water system
A Brisbane plumber may also recommend shutting off your hot water system to help determine if the leak is coming from the hot water side. You can locate the shut-off valve near the hot water system and run the same water leak detection test. If the leak stops, it’s related to your hot water systems.
Brisbane Plumber Leak Step 3 – Turn off your toilet’s isolation valve
If it’s not hot water, a Brisbane plumber will suggest isolating the toilet by switching off the valve. The valve will either be next to or behind the toilet or inside the cistern. Once again, after you isolate the toilet, run the water metre test.
Alternatively, a Brisbane plumber may give you a sneaky tip. Put some food dye in the cistern and let it sit for half an hour without flushing the toilet. If the toilet bowl becomes coloured, or there’s coloured water around the toilet, there’s a leak.
Brisbane Plumber Leak Step 4 – Turn off your garden’s reticulation system
Reticulation systems that are connected to the mains water supply can be switched off but still cause a leak. To determine if this is your problem, switch off the reticulation isolation tap at the mains and run the water metre test again.
What should you do once you find the leak, or if you can’t find the leak?
Whether you find the leak or not, the best way to proceed is by calling an expert. Trying to fix these things yourself could lead to further damage and cost. So, if you have a leak problem at any time of the day or night, call The Brisbane Plumbers. We’re Brisbane’s most reliable 24-hour emergency plumbing service. We’ll be on the job within 60 minutes – that’s our guarantee. We will deal with your plumbing problems efficiently and professionally while providing outstanding customer service. Call The Brisbane Plumbers now on 0450 932 850.