A water leak may be small, but it can still cause extensive damage. Unfortunately, when it comes to finding leaks, there isn’t one foolproof method that works in all situations.That said, there are many different ways to pinpoint where water is escaping from your home or business. When faced with a potential water damage situation, identifying the source of the leak is crucial to minimizing further damage and preventing costly repairs.The best way to determine if you have a water leak is to understand how water flows through your home and where a potential leak may occur. If you’re unsure how to identify these areas or if you’re not sure whether a particular issue is a leak, we offer some tips below on how to proceed. For assistance with locating and repairing any water damage, contact us today!

Divergent Flow

Divergent flow occurs when water flows away from where it is supposed to be. In other words, if you have a leak in one part of your house and water is coming out of another, you’re dealing with divergent flow.When divergent flow occurs, the water pressure in your home drops significantly. This drop in pressure can be detected by installing a pressure gauge in your home’s main water line. If your pressure drops significantly, there is likely a leak somewhere in your home.Divergent flow can be difficult to pinpoint because it often comes and goes. You may be able to track it down by looking for telltale signs like discoloration or stains on your walls or ceilings.

Water Pressure Drop

If you have a professional water meter installed, you may notice a drop in water pressure as soon as you turn on the water. This drop in pressure indicates a potential water leak. You can use a pressure gauge to pinpoint the location and extent of the leak.In areas where water meters aren’t installed, you may notice a drop in water pressure during water use. Depending on the type of water meter installed in your home, the drop in pressure may be much more dramatic than with a typical water meter.A drop in water pressure is a clear sign of a potential water leak. Before you call in a plumber, be sure to document the drop in pressure so you can identify the location of the leak later on.

Visual Detection Methods

If you see water on the floor or in another room, you may suspect that a pipe has sprung a leak. You can use a wet mop or mop bucket with a few drops of bleach in it to check for visible wetness. You can also place a few drops of food coloring in a bucket and check for discoloration on the walls.If you don’t see any evidence of a leaking pipe, you can use other visual detection methods to see if there is a hidden leak. One method is to spray a black light in areas that could be affected by a hidden water pipe. Black lights are often used by law enforcement to find hidden drugs or other evidence.

Electronic Detection Methods

Electronic detection methods can help you pinpoint the location of a hidden water pipe. Some sensors use a metal detection method to locate the presence of metal pipes. Others are sensitive to specific water flow rates.For example, a water flow rate sensor is often installed in the basement of a home. If water is leaking in the basement, the sensor will activate and alert the home’s owners. This can help you pinpoint the source of the leak before it becomes a costly problem.

Conclusion

A water leak can be very damaging to your property and home. Thankfully, there are many ways to detect and pinpoint the source of a water leak. With the help of a professional plumber, you can quickly repair any damage caused by a water leak. For assistance with locating and repairing any water damage, contact us today!