Finding a Leaking Pipe

One sign of a leaking pipe include an unusually high water bill. If you hear water running even when all the faucets are turned off, you should probably start looking for a leak. One way to confirm if there is a leak is to turn off all the faucets in the house, then look at the water meter. If the meter is moving, you have a leak that must be found. 

Understanding Water
There are some basic laws of water movement that can help you find leaks. Water follows gravity, and water takes the path of least resistance. Water can also travel along horizontal surfaces before succumbing to the pull of gravity. Wherever you are seeing water stains or puddles, the leak will be above that area. However, because water can travel along pipes or rafters, the leak may not be directly above. It could be above the stain and over a few feet. This can make tracking down the leak a little tricky.

Stained Walls
When a wall is stained in the middle of the wall, the leak is probably near the stained area. The stained section of wall needs to be removed to repair the wall and this will usually also reveal the leaking pipe.

Stained Ceiling
Because water can travel, a leak from above can be harder to find. If there is an attic above, go in the attic with a flashlight to try to find the leak. You can also search for the leak from below by using a listening device that will amplify the sounds of water moving through hidden pipes. If you can hear the water running, you can follow the sound to try and find the source.

Leaks under the Floor
These can be the hardest to find. The water is traveling into the ground, rather than the house, and it’s tempting to ignore them. However, the water traveling under the ground will carry away dirt from under your home with it. Eventually, the foundation of your home will be compromised and you will start seeing cracks in your flooring. A potentially serious issue, leaking pipes under the floor must be located. A listening device can help you locate these leaks without having to tear up the entire floor. Once you pinpoint the damaged spot, you can fix the problem and protect your home.

Regardless of where the pipe is leaking, it can not be ignored. Leaking pipes will run up your water bill, and have the potential to cause serious damage to your home. Protect your investment by taking the time to find and correct leaking pipes as soon as you suspect a problem.