After noticing an unexplainable increase in your water bill, you may be wondering if there is a leak somewhere that you have not yet detected. If the water usage has gone up, but the sewer portion of the bill has remained the same, the issue most likely lies with a leak with one of the supply lines in your home.
If you have not seen any evidence that your home's main water line from the street has a leak, such as a soaked lawn or the formation of channels, the culprit may be a line somewhere inside of your home. Below are a couple of signs for which you can look to try to determine whether or not this is the case.
1. Some or All of Your Home's Faucets Have Low Water Pressure
One sign that one of your home's interior water supply lines has a hidden leak is when you start to notice that the faucets have low water pressure. When there is a leak, not only does the volume of water inside the plumbing decrease, but the pressure is also released through the opening.
Depending on the location of the leak, all of the faucets may be affected or only ones in certain rooms. If there are only a few faucets with low water pressure, this could help you and/or the plumber pinpoint the location of the leak.
2. Pipe Unions on the Supply Lines Have Changed Colors
Another sign that one of your home's water supply lines is leaking can be seen when inspecting the pipes themselves. If you have an unfinished basement or a crawlspace under your home, you can typically find the lines exposed.
While looking at the pipes, locate the unions between them. Normally, they should be the same color as the pipes.
However, if you find that they are a different color or are covered with rust or limescale, the discoloration is typically caused by a slow leak at the joint where the pipe and union connects. Even if there is a slow leak, it is often enough to impact both your water bill and the water pressure in your home.
If your home's water pressure has dropped significantly and/or the unions on the main supply lines have become discolored or appear rusty, you may have a leak. Contact a local contractor who offers plumber services to schedule a time for them to come to your home to identify and fix the cause of the issue with your home's water supply line.
Share31 March 2021
When you get a clogged drain or a toilet that just won't flush, do you reach for the phone and call for a plumber? When you have these seemingly simple plumbing problems around your house, you have to make a decision quickly. Do you pay for someone to come out and make the repairs, or do you attempt the repair on your own? This blog is all about DIY plumbing repairs. You will learn the basics and find tips for when to cut your losses and call in for professional assistance so you don't make a small fix one that needs serious repairs.
