Undetected plumbing leaks can create water damage and waste both inside and outside your home. Fortunately, there are several ways to locate them so that you can know when you need plumbing services. Here are a few ways to discover a plumbing leak.

How to Find Plumbing Leaks

1. Check Your Fixtures & Appliances

To determine where the leak is coming from, you’ll want to check your fixtures and appliances. This includes looking for water in areas that aren’t in plain sight, such as in the cabinets under the kitchen and bathroom sinks. Also, look for pooling water around the bottom of your larger appliances, such as the dishwasher, washing machine, shower, and toilet.

2. Run a Dye Test

Your toilet is one of the best ways to locate a leak, as it accounts for a significant portion of your water use. Perform a dye test by adding a few drops of food coloring into the tank. Allow the dye to sit for about ten minutes.

If you have a leak, the bowl water will change color after about five minutes, as the water leaks from the tank into the bowl. Inspect the exterior of the tank for the dye as well since this will tell if you need plumbing services to replace the fill valve or the tank o-ring.

3. Check Outside Your Home

Leaks can occur outside as well, so don’t forget to check the home exterior.  For instance, if there’s an area of unusually lush grass or puddles in the yard, it could be a sign that a buried water line is leaking.

Check outside spigots by attaching a water hose with a connected sprayer, and allow pressure to build up within the hose. Then, turn the spigot on to check for leaks. If there’s a leak in the spigot hose connection or in the hose attachment connection, you’ll need to replace the o-ring in the hose or get a new sprayer attachment.

If you’ve experienced a leak and need plumbing services, contact the professionals at Specialized Plumbing Parts Supply in Edgewood, KY. This family-owned and -operated business has an inventory of over 14,000 plumbing supplies to address any water-related issue in your home. From kitchen and bathroom faucets to components for your sump pump, they have what you need to get the job done. To inquire about their inventory, call (859) 341-6666, or visit them online for more information about their services.