![\"faucet](\"https:\/\/www.relianceplumbing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Use-Your-Water-Meter-to-Detect-Leaks-203x300.jpg\")
Let\u2019s say you\u2019ve found yourself with unexplainable high water bills. Naturally, your water bills will change each month, depending on how much you use certain plumbing fixtures (for instance, you won\u2019t be using your irrigation system in the dead of winter!) But when your utility bills spike for no reason, it\u2019s time to take a close look at what\u2019s going on with your plumbing.<\/p>\n
But can you detect a leak on your own? Well, yes and no, which we\u2019ll get to in a moment. First, it\u2019s important that you understand why even the smallest leak is actually a pretty big deal. The US EPA states that a faucet leaking at just one drop per second wastes 3,000 gallons of water per year. And considering that a \u201csmall\u201d leak can happen anywhere along your water lines\u2014including underneath your slab or behind walls\u2014this can be detrimental to your home and your water bills.<\/p>\n
So, what if you do suspect you have a leak? As we said, you can detect a leak on your own, but at the same time, not really. We say that because even though you can figure out on your own that you have <\/em>a leak, it takes professional Glenview, IL leak detection<\/a> services to determine where <\/em>that leak is coming from. Still though, we\u2019re happy to share some tips with you below to help you figure out if you do in fact have a leak, before giving us a call.<\/p>\n The first thing you\u2019ll need to do to perform self-detection is to shut off all <\/em>your plumbing fixtures in your home. We don\u2019t usually suggest using the main shut-off valve, as this won\u2019t help you find a leak that\u2019s coming from a pipe within your home. Instead, you need a thorough check of anything that uses water, which is what our team can assist with.<\/p>\n Ensure that you let your household know you\u2019re doing this so that nobody unknowingly uses any faucets or toilets while you\u2019re checking for a leak. Make sure ever fixture and appliance is off, including system such as your:<\/p>\n Now\u2019s the time to reach your meter. Check the flow indicator\u2014a small rotating dial that moves even if there is only a small amount of water flowing. If all your plumbing fixtures are off, and the wheel is still moving, then you have a leak.<\/p>\n However, keep in mind that this won\u2019t tell you how much <\/em>water is leaking, or again, where that leak is coming from.<\/p>\n As we stated, detecting a leak on your own won\u2019t help you determine where that leak is coming from. In some cases, homeowners can spot the problem through moist spots on the property, or the sound of rushing water from behind a wall. For the most part, however, you\u2019ll need a professional with the right type of equipment to determine just what\u2019s going on.<\/p>\nShut Your Water Off<\/h2>\n
\n
Read Your Water Meter<\/h2>\n
When Call a Plumber<\/h2>\n