The following list includes some pointers we often share with home and building owners who want to do some leak hunting of their own. These tidbits apply primarily to leak search areas that do not require advanced electronic leak detection tools and years of experience using them.
- Be sure to check all your exterior hose bibbs to be sure that one hasn’t been left on. Unfortunately, we occasionally find that this is the problem. You don’t want to have to pay a service call from a leak specialist for something so simple.
- To check for toilet leaks: Place a dye tablet, food coloring, milk, half and half, or milk of magnesia into a toilet tank full of water. Wait for a few minutes to see if it seeps down into the bowl area. If it does, you will need to repair or replace the flapper valve.
- If you have a two-piece toilet (separate tank and bowl), take some toilet paper and work it into the open area between the tank and the bowl. Check for water prior to and after flushing. If it is dry prior to flushing, recheck again after flushing. If it is wet, this will confirm a leak occurs during the flushing cycle.
- Turn on all of the faucets, one by one. While the water is running, move the faucet handle back and forth. Look for water leakage around the valve stem and faucet spout. Check your outside hose bibs too.
- When checking the faucets, be sure to look at the drain piping under the sink as water flows through the drainpipes.
- If you have lever operated water-stopping devices (plugs) in sinks and tubs, work them open and closed while the water is running. Look for leaks in these movable parts where they connect to the drain system.
- Be sure to run the dishwasher and garbage disposal and check for visible leaks during usage.
- Look at walls where pipes stick out. Look for discoloration, moisture, and sponginess.
- Hopefully, the water heater is equipped with a safety relief valve (known as a temperature/pressure valve). Be sure to check the exit end of the valve or valve piping for leaks or drips. If the valve is equipped with a hand operated check lever, flush the valve for a few seconds ONLY if it is piped to a safe area that will not run water onto floors or walls. The valve should not leak. If it does, replace it.