Spotting Leaks
We can help you cut down on water usage.
Call us on 027 265 4949 to get the pesky drips and leaks at your place fixed in no time.
Getting rid of water leaks
As the warm summer days unfold finally, residents in Orewa and the Hibiscus Coast are enjoying the outdoor activities and our area’s splendours. However, amidst the sun-soaked fun and increased water usage, being vigilant about potential leaks becomes even more important than usual.
Summer often brings higher water demand so water conservation and efficient water use become key: any unnoticed leaks can lead to unnecessary wastage, impacting your water availability, your wallet and the environment.
Water use over summer
With summer festivities, gatherings and extra house guests, it’s easy to overlook subtle increases in water usage. Monthly water bills are fairly predictable, however, so if you do spot an unexpected spike in your water bill, it’s a very good idea to address the issue lickety-split. If a leak is detected on your property, it’s your responsibility to fix it, and this is where professional help from registered plumbers like FlowFix comes in.
Spotting Leaks: exploring the potential reasons behind a surge in your water bill.
Step-by-step leak test
- Choose a time when no one will use water for at least four hours, preferably overnight.
- Locate your water meter and read it before and after the test, ensuring no water is used during this period. Most homes have their own water meter at the front of the property, near the left or right boundary. Water meters are in the ground, in a box made of timber, plastic, concrete, or metal. The lid is usually blue or black. Lift the lid and you should see the meter dial.
- If the meter numbers increase, it indicates water usage, possibly due to a leak.
How to spot leaks around your property
Yellowish or brownish water stains on ceilings and walls could indicate water leaking from behind the Gib that’s soaking through.
Bubbling paint or bulging wallpaper are also signs that the wallboard is wet, and the paint or wallpaper is no longer sticking. In some cases, you may also notice a bulge in the wall.
In some cases, you may notice black splotches on a wall. However, most often, mould will grow inside a wall where you can’t see it. So, a musty smell is another red flag.
Check out appliances and fixtures
Look for dripping taps.
Check the cabinetry under the kitchen, laundry, and bathroom sinks to make sure they’re dry. You’ll want to look for puddles around the bases of tubs, toilets, and showers and beneath the dishwasher and washing appliance or fixture and call our plumbers.
Toilet checks
Check if the toilet leaking because it’s a prime spot for water loss. Place a few drops of food colouring in the toilet cistern. If colour ends up in the bowl without flushing, there may be a leak.
Outdoor investigation
In dry weather, inspect your garden, lawn, and driveway for patches of greener grass. If you have a much greener spot that grows more quickly than the rest of the lawn, it could indicate where a buried water line is leaking.
Hire FlowFix Plumbing Ltd
Professional plumbing help
If you’re unable to find leaks, haven’t had a houseful of guests, haven’t been furiously watering the garden or forgotten to turn off a hose but suspect a larger issue because of the huge jump in your water bill, then enlist the help of our registered plumbers at FlowFix in Orewa. Call us on 027 265 4949.
The FlowFix experts can perform a thorough inspection and efficiently address any hidden leak issues.
