Dry and Safe Home: Ways to Look for Water Leaks

Water leaks might seem like a minor problem that you can get around to later, however, it’s important to understand how they can wreak havoc on your home when left untreated. Water can damage your furnishings, cause your bills to skyrocket and encourage mold growth.

Detecting water leaks around your home can be difficult, but it is important to prevent the costly problems that they cause. Handyman Connection of Matthews discusses ways to trace them easily:

Ceilings and Floors

Start by inspecting your walls and ceilings. If you notice water stains and bubbling or peeling paint, there could be a problem on your roof or pipes. Also, check the flooring around appliances and fixtures that use water, including toilets and dishwashers. Warped or spongy spots imply a possible leak or moisture problem.

Kitchens and Bathrooms

An easy way to spot a leak in kitchens and bathrooms is to assess your sinks. Common signs include moisture at joints and at the bottom of the P trap and corrosion on the supply line valves and fittings. When it comes to cabinets, examine their bottom surfaces for dampness, stains and buckling material.

Toilet leaks are one of the hardest to spot because they are not always obvious. Try removing the tank lead and placing a few drops of food coloring or dye tabs in the back of the toilet tank. After 30 minutes, check the toilet bowl to see if the color has come through. If the water is clear, there’s no leak.

Basements

Basements are prone to moisture due to lack of ventilation, making it tricky to spot leaks. A simple way to determine whether the cause of moisture is due to condensation or leaks is to tape a small square of foil to one of your walls. Leave it for a few days, then check the location of the moisture. Moisture on the front of the foil is caused by condensation. Meanwhile, moisture on the back is caused by a leak.

For assistance on finding or fixing a leak, Handyman Connection of Matthews can help. We have deep knowledge and experience in plumbing, which is why you can rely on us to keep your home safe from water damage. Call us at (704) 255-5626 to learn more about our services. You can also complete our form to request an estimate.