At one point or another, we’ve all experienced a water leak. Whether it’s a leaky tap or a burst pipe, water leaks can cause structural damage, and mould growth and increase your water bills. To prevent this, it’s crucial to locate and manage leaks quickly and efficiently. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the processes involved in locating and managing water leaks around your home or yard.

The signs of a water leak

The first step is to know the signs. Water leaks always give off warning signs, including:

  • Unexpected increases in water usage and bills
  • Damp spots or mould and mildew on walls or ceilings
  • The sound of running or dripping water when no water is being used
  • Puddles, wet patches or pooling water in your yard when there hasn’t been any rain.

By regularly inspecting plumbing fixtures, pipes, and irrigation systems and keeping an eye or ear out for these signs, you’ll be able to detect leaks early and minimise damages and costly repairs.

DIY leak detection methods

While calling the professionals is always a smart move, especially for more complex leaks, there are several DIY methods you can try to locate and manage water leaks around your home while waiting for them to arrive, including:

  • Checking water meter readings: Turn off all water sources in your home and monitor your water meter for changes. If the meter continues to register usage after the water is off, it indicates a hidden leak.
  • Conducting a dye test: Add food colouring to your toilet tank and wait to see if the colour appears in the bowl without flushing. If it does, you may have a leaky flapper valve.
  • Monitoring water pressure: If you notice an expected or sudden drop in your water pressure it could signal a serious leak in your plumbing system.

After completing these DIY methods, it’s still important to call in a professional plumbing service to complete a more thorough inspection, as they have specialised equipment to locate leaks more accurately and will be able to identify the severity of the damage.

Managing water leaks

By detecting leaks quickly, you can take action before they escalate to minimise any structural damage and reduce water wastage–thus keeping your bills downs. So, once a water leak has been identified and located, you can take prompt action to prevent further damage.

Depending on the severity, location and cause of the water leak, you may be able to replace the fitting yourself or it may require more specialised equipment from experienced plumbing professionals.

If the issue is a busted tap or toilet, we have you covered; at Everhard Industries we stock a wide range of high-quality interior plumbing fittings that you can install yourself by following the guidelines. However, busted pipes inside your walls, ceiling or in your yard are best left to the professionals.

Preventing future water leaks

In addition to addressing existing leaks, preventive maintenance plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of future leaks. At Everhard Industries, we offer a range of products designed to improve the durability and longevity of plumbing systems, including high-quality, durable tapware, toilets, drainage systems, and more. 

Also, regular DIY and professional inspections and maintenance of existing plumbing fixtures, irrigation systems, and outdoor plumbing infrastructure can help identify and catch potential issues before they escalate into major leaks, bursts or problems.

Protect your property by locating and managing water leaks promptly

Water leaks can pose significant threats to your property and yard if left unchecked, but with proactive detection and management this can be minimised. By knowing the warning signs, you can catch leaks early and complete the necessary repairs quickly. 

Also, don’t forget to schedule regular professional maintenance and inspections, or call in the experts the second you suspect an issue.