Even a relatively slow leak can spiral out of control before you know it, and you might end up dealing with tens of thousands of dollars in damage if you don’t act immediately. Luckily, there are a few simple steps that you can take to see if your home’s plumbing system is leaking.


    1. Your Water Bills are Usually High

    Your home’s water bills will vary throughout the year, but sudden changes should raise concerns.

    If your water bill skyrockets from one month to the next, contact your local utility company.

    A leak is one of the most common causes of an unusually high water bill — here are 3 tips to check for leaks.


    2. Your Water Fixtures are Leaking

    A good rule of thumb is to check all your faucets, showers, baths and sinks at least once or twice a month. During inspection, keep an eye out for signs of water damage.

    A slow leak will greatly increase the humidity inside a cabinet or cupboard, and that can result in mold and mildew. Also keep an eye out for unusual musty smells throughout your home.


    3. Your Water Meter is Running Overtime

    One of the most effective ways to test your plumbing system for a leak is to check the water meter. Before you do so, turn off all of the fixtures and appliances in your home. You can then head out to the water meter and write down the exact number that is on the dial.

    After 20 or 30 minutes, check the dial again to see if it has moved. The dial will continue to move if you have a leak or one of the fixtures in your home wasn’t closed all the way.


    4. Your Lawn Has Seen Better Days

    Most plumbing leaks occur inside homes, but outdoor leaks can happen as well.

    Outdoor leaks are generally the result of cracked sewage lines, and that type of damage will often affect nearby grass and trees.

    You might notice unusual puddles in your yard or dead patches of grass if a sewage line is cracked.

    Think you have leaky pipes? Then contact a local plumber who offers emergency plumbing repair services.

    An experienced plumber can find and repair a leak in a matter of hours, and that will help you avoid major problems down the road.

    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Danny Lipford

    Danny Lipford

    Founder

    Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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