As a homeowner in Atlanta, it is important to be proactive when it comes to maintaining your home's plumbing system. Hidden water leaks can be costly and can cause significant damage to your home if not repaired in a timely manner. In this blog post, we will discuss five ways to check for hidden plumbing leaks in your home and what steps to take once you find them. 

5 Ways You Can Check for Hidden Plumbing Leaks 

1. Monitor your Water Bill

One of the easiest ways to check for hidden plumbing leaks in your home is by monitoring your water bill. If you notice a sudden increase in your water consumption without any apparent reason, it may be a sign of a hidden leak. Check your meter and record the reading. Avoid using water for at least two hours, then check the meter again. If the reading has changed, it is an indication of a leak.

    2.  Check for Water Stains

Water stains on your walls, floors, or ceilings could be a sign of a hidden plumbing leak in your home. Look out for discoloration, mold or mildew growth, or any signs of warping. These can be an indication of a leaky pipe that needs to be addressed right away.

    3.  Listen for Unusual Sounds

Another way to check for hidden plumbing leaks is by listening to unusual sounds in your home. If you hear the sound of running water, even when all taps and appliances are turned off, it could be a sign of a hidden leak. A hissing or gurgling noise from your plumbing system may also indicate a concealed leak.

    4.  Perform a Toilet Leak Test

Toilet leaks are one of the most common hidden plumbing leaks in homes. To perform a toilet leak test, add a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank and wait for around 15 minutes. Check the bowl to see if the food coloring has leaked into it. If it has, you have a toilet leak that needs to be fixed.

    5.  Conduct a Dye Test on Your Faucets

Similar to the toilet leak test, a dye test can help identify hidden leaks in your faucets. Add a few drops of food coloring to the water stream of your faucet and wait for a few minutes. If the water in the bowl or sink has changed color, you have a leak that needs to be fixed.

These simple checks can help you catch potential issues before they become larger problems. Once you locate the leak, some quick steps can stop them from becoming a major plumbing issue. 

What to do when you face a plumbing leak in your Atlanta home

1. Shut Off the Water

Once you've located the general area of the leak, shut off the water supply to that area. In some cases, you may be able to turn off the water supply to the affected fixture, such as a sink, toilet, or shower. However, if you're still not sure where the leak is coming from, you may need to shut off the water to your entire house. If you're not comfortable doing this, call a professional plumber in Atlanta to turn off your water supply for you.

    2.  Assess the Damage

Before calling a professional plumber, assess the damage to your home. If the leak is small and contained, you may be able to fix it yourself. However, if the leak has caused significant damage or requires specialized tools to fix, it's best to call in a professional plumber.