Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 6: Boilers
• Method 2 of 6: Toilet
• Method 3 of 6: Line to the meter
• Method 4 of 6: Outdoor faucets
• Method 5 of 6: Other leaks
• Method 6 of 6: Almost detected also helps
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

Usually the water supply to your house is connected to a meter to measure your water use and calculate the bill. A leak in the water pipe can lead to a high bill. However, even a small leak can be detected through a few simple techniques and save you an unpleasant surprise from the local water company. If you find yourself with a leak, you can take these steps before calling a plumber. The more you do yourself, the less it ultimately costs!

To step

Method 1 of 6: Boilers

1. Check the pressure relief valve of your water heater. Sometimes these valves lead directly to a drain and can leak without your knowledge. If you can't remove the drain to check for leaks, listen for a hissing noise. This could indicate a leak.

Method 2 of 6: Toilet

1. Check the toilet for leaks by removing the lid from the water tank and listening carefully. If you hear a hissing sound, try to see where this sound is coming from. Once you know this, see if you can fix it. If you can't fix it, call a plumber.
   • If you don't notice, add some food coloring in the water tank (not the toilet bowl). Wait a few minutes and when you find the color in your toilet bowl, you have a leak in the throat at the bottom of the tank that is causing water to flow through. You can then check whether you can carry out the repair yourself or if you need to call a plumber.
   • If you have several toilets, repeat the same procedure with each toilet to make sure you don't have more than one leak.

Method 3 of 6: Line to the meter

1. If the toilets are okay, check the pipe running from the meter to the house. While this is a bit more difficult, you can save money if you can locate the leak for the plumber.
   • If you have a shut-off valve in your house, shut off the water temporarily and see if the meter continues to count.
   • Once you have located the meter and the shut-off valve is closed, check if the meter continues to run. If it continues to run, there is a leak between the gauge and the house unless you have a leaky valve, which is not uncommon with older bronze gate valves. Then your leak could also be inside the house.
   • Walk between the meter and the shut-off valve. look for signs of a leak such as: soft muddy patches, grass that is greener or that grows faster than the rest of the lawn. If you see such obvious signs, call the plumber or see if you can fix the leak yourself.
   • If you have closed the valve between the house and the meter and the meter stops counting, the leak is somewhere in the house. Then try a different technique to locate the problem.

Method 4 of 6: Outdoor faucets

1. Try to locate a leak at the house. To do this, you need to locate all outdoor faucets (the pipes attached to your house). Generally, you will have one water tap at the front and one at the back of the house, but make sure you have found all the faucets and listen carefully.
   • Once you find the faucets, take a screwdriver long enough to have room to work and place the metal top directly on the metal part of the faucet. Place the knuckle of your thumb at the end of the screwdriver and then on the side of your head, just in front of your ear. The sound will go straight to your eardrum. This is how the screwdriver works like a stethoscope. This method can also be used for most metal valves.
   • Listen carefully for a sound coming from the tap. When you hear something, remember where it is (you can mark it with chalk) and go to the next tap. If the noise is louder than the other water taps, then the leak is closer to that tap. Then contact your plumber. If you give this information to your plumber, he'll spend less time looking for the leak, saving you money.
   • If you check all the water taps and still find no sound, go in and do the same search with the screwdrivers for all the installations in the house such as water taps for sinks, shower valves, dishwasher, boiler (watch out for electrocution at the boiler). If you are still not sure where the leak is coming from, contact the plumber.

Method 5 of 6: Other leaks

1. Check the garden. Look at garden hoses, faucets and drip irrigation systems.
2. Check the shower head for leaks. This is easy to fix yourself if it is the shower head that is leaking.
3. If you have a swimming pool you should check that there is no leak.

Method 6 of 6: Almost detected also helps

1. In many cases, a leak is difficult to detect. Not all leaks discussed in this article can be found if you are not used to plumbing and can easily miss something. But if you follow these steps you can 'roughly' find the location of the leak and this is costly work as this is how you help the plumber (many plumbers don't like to look for a problem, so anything you can do is appreciated) , saving him time and you money.

Tips

• If you know roughly where there is a leak, the plumber can use his listening device to find out exactly where the leak is.

Warnings

• If you want to fix a leak in your toilet yourself, check the age of the house before you get started. By fixing a leak, you can cause another leak (or five) from old gaskets, washers, and rubber.
• If you think the leak is in the boiler, call an expert. Do not put a screwdriver in the boiler. You can touch cables or make a hole in the tank.
• Never dig without knowing exactly where the leak is as it can be dangerous, hurt you and cost a lot. If you are unsure, always call an expert, your local plumber!
• Very important! If you find the leak and decide to dig it up, locate your other utilities or ask the companies to indicate where their utilities are on your property!

Necessities

• Screwdriver
• Repair tools and materials (optional)
• The Yellow Pages to Find a Plumber. You can also seek advice from other people to find a reputable plumber or check websites where customers can rate craftsmen.