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Water Leaks

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Sometimes it is hard to discover you have a leaking pipe

Signs such as staining in the ceiling or walls are obvious give-a-ways. But sometimes finding a water leak can be a lot trickier than that. Here are some things you can check on to make sure you do not have a serious water leak in your home. If you are noticing any of these things it is time to call the pros at Able Plumbing. We are ready and able to help!


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If You Can't See Your Pipes, How Do You Know If You Have A Leak Behind the Wall or Underground?


Water is leaking out of a blue pipe.

It can be a serious problem that can cause water damage, mold growth, and high water bills. There are several ways to detect a leaking pipe, depending on the situation and the tools available. Here are some of the possible methods:

  • Use a wall scanner or a stud finder. These devices can scan the wall and locate pipes, wires, and studs behind it. They can also detect changes in density or moisture that may indicate a leak. You can buy or rent a wall scanner or a stud finder from a hardware store or online.
  • Use a bore scope camera. This is a small camera attached to a flexible wire that can be inserted into a small hole in the wall and provide a live video feed of the inside. You can use this to inspect the pipes and fittings behind the wall and look for signs of leaks, such as corrosion, cracks, or drips. You can buy or rent a bore scope camera from a hardware store or online.
  • Use a stethoscope. This is a simple and low-cost method that can help you locate the sound of water rushing through the pipes. You can turn on the water and listen to the wall with a stethoscope, moving it along the wall until you find the loudest spot. This may indicate the location of the leak.
  • Use the "Water Meter Check". To do this, turn off all the water in the house (faucets, dishwasher, washing machine, irrigation, etc.). Locate the water meter for your home. In some instances, your meter will have a small triangle, star, or gear that spins when water is moving. If it is spinning at all while everything is off, there is a high probability for a water leak. If you have no dial, do this:
  • Write down the exact meter reading
  • Wait 1-2 hours (again making sure no water use is taking place in the home)
  • Read the meter again. If the numbers changed, you have a leak


  • Possible visual for signs of leaks. Sometimes, you can detect a leak by observing the symptoms, such as damp patches, stains, warping, peeling, mold, or low water pressure on the walls, ceilings, floors, or baseboards. You can also check your water meter and water bill for any unusual changes that may indicate a leak.
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  • Toilet Dye Test as Visual Inspection. Toilets can be the number one cause of high water bills, and the leak is often silent (most often caused by a faulty flapper valve). To run this test do the following:
  • Remove the tank lid and drop about 5-10 drops of food coloring (red or blue works best) into the tank.
  • Wait 15-20 minutes without flushing
  • If the color appears in the toilet bowl, the tank is leaking into the bowl. This could be a quick an easy fix for Able Plumbing to take care of for you

Need professional help? We're ready to get your pipes back in order. Touch base with your plumbing professionals at Able Plumbing!