Over time, the pipes under the house can wear out and start to leak. While the concrete won't break down right away, a leak can cause your water bill to swell and cost you money later on. Before using the services of a plumber, you can check for leaks in several ways.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Finding the Symptoms of the Damage
Step 1. Watch for rising water bills
In most cases, the first indication of an underground pipe leak comes from the monthly water bill. If you notice a drastic increase in your water bill from the previous month, or the cost of your water goes up even though the usage remains the same, there may be a leaky pipe.
Step 2. Check for leaking equipment
Sometimes the increase in electricity bills is due to equipment leaks, such as toilets, so check first. To check for leaks in the toilet, put food coloring in the tank and let sit for 10 minutes. If the dye moves into the latrine, it means that the toilet has a leak. For water-based faucets or appliances, look for puddles or drips in tools and pipes.
Step 3. Look for puddles, damp carpet, or bent wood floors
This leak results in a pool of water under the concrete foundation. In order to get out, this water pools on the floor, yard, or even the concrete itself. If your floor is carpeted, look for areas that appear darker or damper. If you have wood flooring panels, pay attention to where the wood is starting to bend.
Step 4. Smell the mildew smell
When water stays for a long time, the habitation becomes ideal for mold growth. While you probably won't be able to see it, be aware of areas of your home that smell musty or strange for long periods of time. Mold is likely to grow under carpet or, if the leak spreads, behind drywall.
Step 5. Pay attention to whether the water fitting becomes less strong
High water pressure allows sinks, tubs and showers to provide a steady supply of water for your daily life. If this pressure suddenly decreases so that the water flow weakens, the pipe may have a leak.
To check if a fitting is getting weaker, turn off all water-based appliances in the house and test the water flow from one faucet
Step 6. Check if the bathtub heater is always on
If the water heater is running frequently or constantly, there may be a hot water leak under the concrete. This is because hot water is always seeping so the water heater works non-stop to heat up new water.
If there are no other signs of a concrete leak, look for signs of damage to the water heater itself, such as cloudy water or a loud crackling sound from the tank
Step 7. Feel the floor to find a warm spot
Walk around in bare feet and feel unnaturally hot areas of the floor. If you find one, mark the area with masking tape. If the spot stays hot for 24 hours, it's likely that this area is above the hot water pipe.
If you have a cat, check the area where it likes to sleep. Cats are looking for a warm place to snuggle, and it's possible that their favorite spot is right above the hot water leak
Step 8. Watch for cracks in the foundation that indicate a sewer leak
Although most concrete leaks come from clean water pipes, sewer pipes are sometimes the culprit. When these pipes are damaged, water seeps to the surface and causes the foundation to crack or bend. Common indications of a sewer leak include:
- Cracks in floors, tiles, bricks, or castings.
- Rotated, bent or split walls.
- Floors are uneven or crooked.
- Doors or windows that won't close or separate from the house.
Part 2 of 3: Testing for Water Leaks
Step 1. Turn off faucets and other water appliances
You can spot signs of a leak by checking the water meter, turning off all the faucets in your home and making sure that all common appliances like washing machines and dishwashers aren't on. If one is still on, disconnecting the water may damage the equipment or your water meter displays incorrect results
Step 2. Locate the main water valve
In cooler areas, look for valves in the house in a room such as a basement or garage. In warm areas, this valve can be located on the pipe next to the house or on the ground near the water meter.
Step 3. Cut off the water supply to the house
If the water valve has only one wheel, turn it clockwise to turn off the water supply. If the water valve has two wheels, turn off the one closest to the housing and leave the other wheel (the one connected to the roadside valve).
- Try turning on the faucet away from the water valve to make sure the flow is cut off.
- If your house or building has old pipes, valves can leak or crack when turned off.
Step 4. Find your home's water meter
Look for a water meter in the yard or near the sidewalk that surrounds the house. Usually, this meter is in the form of an iron box or covered with a metal plate. Modern water meters are usually labeled as such for clarity. If you can't find a water meter, contact PAM to find out where the water meter is in your area.
Step 5. Remove the water meter cover
Parts of the water meter cover can be removed by hand or disassembled using a screwdriver, pliers, or crowbar. Others can be held in place by standard or pentagon nuts; in this case, you will need a standard or pentagon wrench to remove it.
- If the meter hasn't been checked in a long time, watch out for cobwebs and insects.
- For safety reasons, wear thick gloves when disassembling the meter cover.
Step 6. Check the activity on the water meter
Although each meter is made differently, each will have a way of monitoring water usage. Some of these methods include a pointer (a clock-like hand that covers a meter), a leak indicator (a small triangle, display wheel, or other object) or an odometer (a row of numbers). When the device is off, check if the pipe is leaking by looking at:
- The pointer, which in the span of a few minutes, moved drastically.
- The leak indicator doesn't stop spinning.
- The odometer shows an increasing number.
Part 3 of 3: Using a Plumber
Step 1. Look up the local plumber's number on the internet
Most concrete leaks can only be repaired by breaking the concrete, so find a local contractor who specializes in plumbing repair. If possible, use the services of a plumber who lists concrete leak detection or repair services directly on their website. Plumber services are available on an hourly basis or at a fixed rate based on a specific job.
- Hourly contractors can be cheaper for minor repairs, but can usually add up if the handyman finds an unexpected problem.
- If you can't find a good plumber online, ask friends, family members, and neighbors for recommendations.
Step 2. Use the services of a plumber to detect concrete leaks
Plumbers can use special equipment to determine if the problem is indeed a concrete leak and will isolate it in a specific area. Although plumbers can provide free detection services, they usually go up to several hundred thousand rupiah.
Step 3. Ask for estimated repair costs
After you make sure the problem is a concrete leak, ask for an estimate of the repair cost, the estimate will depend on the particular problem, but usually the rate can reach millions of rupiah. To make sure the price doesn't change, make sure you write it down on paper or a book.
Step 4. Compare cost estimates with other offers
Before using the services of a plumber, you should call another plumber and ask him for an estimated price. Since the leak has been checked, it is enough for you to convey the information according to the explanation obtained. After obtaining several price estimates, choose a reputable plumber who offers competitive prices.
While the cheapest rates may seem tempting, make sure the plumber has a valid license and good reviews on the internet
Step 5. Use the services of a professional
Even though it is expensive, hire the services of an expert to deal with concrete leaks as soon as possible. Concrete leaks can cause damage that costs more so it's best to fix it now before regretting it later.
