Have you ever heard a dripping or running water sound in your home and wondered where it was coming from? If so, then you may have a leak. It is important to listen for these sounds because not only can leaks cause significant damage to homes, but they can also waste hundreds of gallons of water each day and cost you a lot of money.

In this article we will go over some tips on how to identify potential sources of the noise and what you should do if one is found.

The best way to find where your leak is coming from? Well, that’s a process of elimination. Unless it’s obvious!

When you’re dealing with leaks, it’s important to eliminate as many possibilities of where that may be coming from. Once all possible locations have been checked and eliminated then only focus on what remains!

Simple Steps To Listening For A Water Leak

If the sound of running water is not obvious then follow these steps to identify where that leak may be coming from.

Water Meter

The very first step is to check your water meter.

The first thing you can do is to check your water meter to your home. They are normally located outside in the front yard, in the sidewalk or in the easement between your front sidewalk and the road.

Use a screwdriver or something similar to lift the cover to the meter box. Inside you will see the water meter. If there is a cap on the meter go ahead and remove it to read the meter.

On the face of the meter you will see a “leak indicator” which could be a red triangle, a blue circular item or another shape but if it’s moving – then that indicates that you do have water running through the meter.

If your meter does not have a leak indicator, then look at the sweep hand on the face of the meter. This hand, like the hand of a clock moves very slowly. So, you will want to mark where it currently is, come back in 20 minutes and if that hand has moved, then you know that you have a leak.

GeoPhone

A geophone is like the underwater equivalent of a stethoscope. It’s able to amplify sound and help you detect leaks by listening for moving water underground, which could be costly in terms on your utility bill as well any damages it may cause with appliances such as refrigerators or washing machines!

Listening Disc

Professional plumbers use a piece of equipment called a “listening disc”. It’s a powerful tool that can amplify sounds through concrete, brick, wood and many surfaces.

Water Detector

Although this is not technically a way to “listen” for water leaks – it is an inexpensive tool that can alert you if it comes in contact with water. These are ideally placed under sinks, near a water heater, etc.

What To Do If You Have A Water Leak

Here are the steps to follow if you find out that you have a water leak in your home.

Step One – Turn off the main water supply

It’s a good idea to turn off the water supply in your house if you can do so, and release any pressure buildup from pipes by fully opening all faucets. If there is still leaking or hissing after doing this then it may be coming from somewhere else on-site rather than directly under where they are located but keep looking!

Step Two – Keep water off your floor

You don’t want any water damage on your floors or walls so make sure to have enough towels, sponges, etc. on hand to absorb any excess water.

Step Three – Use an oscillating fan or air blower

An oscillating fan or air blower can help to dry out any areas that were affected by excess water.

Step Four – Contact your plumber

We highly recommend to contact a professional plumber to fix the situation that caused the leak in the first place.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing water leaks in your home, the first thing to do is listen for them. A leak could be coming from a pipe or hose that needs repairing, but it may also be an appliance with faulty plumbing.

Listen near running taps and toilets for any sound of sloshing or gurgling which can indicate a leaky seal around fittings. You should also check under sinks and other appliances where pipes often run through tight spaces like between cabinets.

Make sure there aren’t any wet spots on floors or carpets, as this would point towards leaking joints in the flooring system-a very expensive repair! We hope these tips help you get started listening for water leaks at your house.

If you have any questions about water leaks or are having some problems with it, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-443-8229. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.