How to Tell if You Have a Leak

How To Detect a Leak in Your Home

Detecting a leak in your home can be tricky and often requires assistance from a professional.
However, there are some steps that you can take to try and identify the source of the issue on
your own!

Our South West Plumbing team is here to go over a few tips that can help you determine if you
have a leak as well as how to locate it.

Look for Signs of Water Damage

One of the first things you should do when trying to detect a potential leak is to check around for
signs of water damage. This might include discoloration or staining on walls, ceilings, or floors;
mold or mildew growth; or warped wood. If any of these signs are present, there is likely an
underlying issue with your plumbing system.

Check Your Water Meter

Another way to check for leaks is to look at your water meter. To do this, turn off all appliances
and faucets in your home, then locate your water meter and note the reading on it. Wait about
15 minutes before inspecting the meter again — if the status has changed despite no water
being used during this time, there could very well be a leak within your plumbing system that
needs to be addressed by a professional plumber.

One quick note: If the reading has not changed after 15 minutes, but other signs of water
damage are present in the house, then it could still be indicative of a slow-moving leak
somewhere within the pipes that need attention from a plumber.

Check Areas With High Moisture Levels

Another sign of potential leaks is high moisture levels in certain areas of your home, such as
bathrooms or kitchens, due to regular use of sinks and toilets, which can cause hidden issues
over time if not maintained properly. To check these spots for potential leaks, inspect any
exposed piping under sinks or behind toilets, and review any visible tiles for signs of
discoloration or staining, which could show an issue underneath them.

Certified Plumbing Services in Seattle

Plumbing problems can force you to put your life on hold, which is why the team at South West
Plumbing does its best to ensure the diagnosis and repair process is convenient for you.
Our certified plumbers work around your schedule with no extra charge for weekends or
evenings. We charge by the job, not the hour, to make sure you’re satisfied with the results. We
will also leave your house as clean as it was when we came, so you don’t have to worry about
any messes that may come with the repairs.

Call 206-932-1777 today or request a service appointment online.