At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Dallas, one of the most common mistakes we see our clients make is ignoring leaks until they cause irreversible water damage. Since leaks get bigger over time, early leak detection can save you a lot of money on complex repairs in the long run. Follow these helpful tips below to learn how you can check your home for leaks quickly and what you need to do if you think you might have a problem.

1. Test Your Water Meter.

One of the best ways to see if your home has any leaks is to turn off your water meter and see how the needle behaves. If it moves instantly, chances are you have a fast leak. If it moves after a few minutes, then you probably have a slow leak. Fast leaks can be especially rough on your home and water bill, so get yours fixed as soon as possible by an experienced Plano plumber.

2. Inspect Your Home for Water Damage.

Leaks are notoriously tough to find, so you need to pay close attention to every room in your house. If your water meter shows you have a leak somewhere on your property, you need to look for signs of water damage in addition to testing your appliances. Some of the most common warning signs associated with leaks are mold and mildew growth, water stains, and dampness.

3. Check Your Toilet.

In most cases, you can tell if your toilet is in good working order by listening to it run. If it’s making a dripping or hissing sound, take a closer look at the toilet tank to see if you can spot the source of the noise.

Since sound is not always the best indicator of a leak, another way you can check your toilet for leaks is to put a few drops of food coloring into the bowl. The color will get lighter with time if the flapper valve needs to be replaced.

Get Repairs Fast

Remember some leaks need to be addressed immediately, so make sure you schedule emergency plumbing repair if you find a serious problem. If you suspect you have a leak but are not sure where or how serious it is, our industry professionals at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Dallas can help you with your questions. Give us a call at (972) 895-7775 to get advice or to schedule a leak repair service.