Signs of a hidden drip
- The water meter dial moves when every tap in the house is off.
- A bill well above the same season last year; see water bill spikes.
- Paint bubbling or a soft spot in drywall near a bathroom or kitchen.
- Musty smell in one closet or cabinet.
- Warm spots on a slab floor, pointing to a hot line underneath.
Our list of leak warning signs goes through more of them.
How we narrow it down
Meter test. With everything off, we watch the low-flow indicator on the meter. If it turns, water is leaving the supply somewhere. Then we close fixture stops one at a time to isolate the branch.
Toilet dye test. Food colouring in the tank; colour in the bowl signals the flapper leaks. It is the most frequent silent leak in any house.
Moisture mapping. A pin and pinless moisture meter across walls and floors shows where the wet area is strongest.
Thermal imaging. Evaporating water and hot lines show up as temperature differences behind drywall.
Pressure testing. A section of pipe is isolated and pressurised to see whether it holds.
Standing over the problem right now?Ring (365) 364-0926 and describe what you see.
Drain leaks are different
A supply leak runs all the time. A drain leak only leaks when something drains. Stains that grow after showers or when one particular sink is used point to a drain joint, a cracked trap, or a failed shower pan. We test by running each fixture in turn and watching.
After it is found
We open the smallest possible hole, repair the pipe or fitting, and leave the opening for you to dry out before patching. If several pinholes have appeared in old copper, that pattern usually means more are coming, and we will talk about repiping that section.
How it works
- CallDescribe the problem; we ask about shutoffs and safety first.
- LookWe open it up and show you what failed.
- AgreeYou approve the price before work starts.
- Fix and testRepair, test, wipe down, and walk you through it.
Questions from callers
Can you find a drip without opening the wall?
We locate it without opening, then open the smallest hole needed to repair it.
Do you repair the drywall?
We repair the plumbing. Drywall and paint are usually best left to a finisher once dry.
Is a moving meter always a leak?
If nothing is running, including the softener, ice maker and humidifier, yes.
Ready when you are.Call Vaughan Plumbers at (365) 364-0926. A person answers.
