July 18, 2012
This summer in Lawton, Oklahoma and much of the United States has been one of the hottest and driest on record. That means conserving water has become even more important.
One of the most common plumbing problems and biggest causes of wasted water in your home are silent and slow leak in pipes, fixtures and appliances. Because they are silent and slow, they often go undetected. But, there is an easy way to uncover them…
Use Your Water Meter to Find Hidden Water Leaks
Although the main purpose of your water meter is to tell the utility company how much water you have used, you can also use it to your advantage to find hidden water leaks.
Here is the simple process:
- Stop using all water. In order to discover silent water leaks in your home, it is important to shut off all water-using appliances, including sprinklers and other irrigation systems.
- Find your water meter. Most Lawton area water meters will be located in a box in the corner of your yard near the curb or on the side of your home.
- Record the number on the water meter. Either write down the number and location of the dial or take a digital picture for easy reference later.
- Wait at least 3 hours. Do not use any water in your home during this time.
- Check the water meter. If there has been any water use recorded (noted by changed numbers and/or dial position), you have found a hidden water leak. Proceed to the next step.
Locating the Hidden Water Leaks
Now that you know you have a hidden water leak, the next step is to find its location. Unless you know where to look, this part can be difficult. Luckily, our expert plumbers have compiled a list of the most common places for a home water leak to occur.
- Toilet – The rubber parts in your toilet can become worn, causing a silent slow leak.
- Under sinks – Since you rarely look under your bathroom or kitchen sinks, a slow leak can go unnoticed for some time.
- Bath/shower – If the handles for your shower or bath are old, they may not shut off the water completely, causing a slow drip.
- Water heater – If you have a traditional water heater with puddles around it, you should contact a professional immediately. It could be a sign the tank is ready to burst.
- Washing machine hoses – Likewise, a small leak in your washing machine hose can quickly become a major catastrophe when it breaks. Replace the hose with new stainless steal hoses.
Still having trouble finding the hidden leak in your Lawton area home? Contact a professional plumber with Pippin Brothers.
