Guide To Water Leak Detection In Our Homes

Rapid world population growth and lifestyle change contribute to the increased demand for water from mankind. Additionally, very low level rainfall in some parts of the world, slowed the replenishment of water source.

Therefore, each one of us must make our best efforts in the conservation of one the most precious commodity here on our planet, which is water. One such attempt is to watch out for water leaks in our homes, no matter how small those leaks may be.

Although some water leaks are so slow that they are not detectable, some known leaks are being ignored by some homeowners. This is because of ignorance about the fact that small leaks that keeps on leaking would amount up into thousands of gallons in a year. Imagine if all homeowners had that same attitude?

Additionally, water leaks not only contribute to global water shortage, but also cause damage to some parts of the home's structure. Damages to the home structural components could cause the home to deteriorate faster, collapse, and injuries to its occupants.

Water leak detection can be done by periodically assessing the areas and components of the home's plumbing system or by installing a commercially available water leak detection device.

There are mainly two types of water leak detection system:

1. Passive Leak Detection Systems are usually stand-alone battery-operated devices that make alarm sound when its moisture sensor gets wet, these alarms enable the homeowner to locate exactly where the water leaks are and perform the necessary repairs. Since these are battery-dependent devices, its battery should be checked regularly.

2. Active Leak Detection Systems also sound an alarm when it detect water leaks, and

Will automatically block the water flow. It may utilize a moisture detector or a flow detector in

Tracking any water leaks. There are two types of active leak detection system:

A. Individual appliance systems track leaks from a single appliance and automatically shut off water supply to such appliance if leaks be detected.

B. Whole house systems track leaks in the entire house and shut off the main water source to the house should leaks be detected. Whole house system is made up of several moisture sensors which send signal to control valve via radio signal or by means of wiring connections.

Every home is unique and has a special situation to ascertain what sort of water leak process is applicable. Some simple systems may be installed by the homeowner, but

Complex systems need to be done by qualified plumber.

If you don't have water leak detection system device installed in your home, you can always check your home periodically for any water leaks, unless of course if you already hear these water dripping noise. Water leaks usually happen in areas where the water-consuming appliance and plumbing fixtures are located. Among the most obvious areas to look for water leaks are:

1. Bathroom & toilet area (check for leaks on showerhead, faucet, and water heating system)

2. Kitchen (check for leaks on faucet, dishwasher, water heating system)

3. Laundry room (check for leaks on faucet, clothes washer)

4. Garage and basement area (check on evaporator cooler, hot water system)

5. Lawn (check on turf, low water use garden, irrigation system)

6. Pool and spa

7. Patio

8. Water meter

Detecting water leaks through the sight and sound may seem an easy task. This may be true in fast and large leaks, but slow and small leaks, it might be impossible to detect without the aid of a water leak detection device. Here are a few recommendations in tracking the house for potential water leaks.

1. Water is leaking on your toilet when water is moving out of the tank into the bowl when no one is flushing it.

2. When your toilet is flushing itself if nobody is near the toilet.

3. Another way of detecting water leak in the toilet would be to place food color in the tank, in case you find the color in the bowl after a couple of minutes then you can conclude that there's a leak.

4. As most water pipes are embedded in the walls and flooring, we can only know whether there are leaks when you see discoloration on wall, ceiling, and carpet.

5. Detecting water leaks in sprinkling system is the same with spotting leaks on concealed piping systems.

6. One such practical way to learn whether you have water leaks in your home is to keep an eye on your water bill. In case you have greater water bill with the same usual consumption, you could seek out a professional plumber or test it out with your local utility company.

Water leaks only worsen through the years; it would be advisable for you to deal with it as early as you can. Early detection and repair shall save you money and protect against damage to your home. If you ignore it, you are just postponing something that you should do anyway.