Leak Detection & Repair
What official sources say about leak detection & repair, and how to reach a local plumber by phone.
Safety first
Never thaw a pipe with an open flame, and remember water and electricity do not mix.
Be alert for the risk of electrical shocks in and near standing water.
Signs to look for
Why it happens
Your options
Look for the WaterSense label when considering a new toilet, faucet, or showerhead, and consult a plumbing professional if you need help to install them.
Leak detection and flow monitoring devices can help you identify leaks or alert you to irregular water use in a home and reduce water waste and damage caused by leaks.
Safe steps you can take
Homeowners can identify toilet leaks by placing a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank.
If any color shows up in the bowl after 10 minutes, you have a leak.
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes.
Let cold water drip from any faucets located on an outside wall.
How to choose a plumber
Advice from consumer protection agencies:
In Illinois, homeowners should request an estimate of the cost of work to be done and compare it to estimates from at least two other contractors.
In Illinois, homeowners should find out if complaints have been filed against the contractor by contacting the Attorney General's office, Better Business Bureau and local Chamber of Commerce.
In Texas, even with a reputable business and a sound written contract in place, you should not pay in full until the work is complete and you have inspected it yourself and found it satisfactory.
In Texas, homeowners should make sure everything promised to you is in the written contract.
In Illinois, plumbers are regulated by the Illinois Department of Public Health and must be licensed by the IDPH to engage in business in Illinois.
If your state or locality has licensing laws, make sure the contractor's license is current.
Once you have narrowed your options, get written estimates from several firms.
Questions homeowners ask
How can I check my water meter for hidden leaks?
Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak.
How do you test for a toilet leak with food coloring?
Homeowners can identify toilet leaks by placing a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank.
Related plumbing services
Sources
- Take Steps To Prevent Water Pipes From Freezing | Oklahoma State University - Oklahoma State University Extension
- Home Repair and Construction: How to Choose a Contractor - Illinois Attorney General
- Fix a Leak Week | US EPA - US EPA
- Hiring a Contractor | Federal Trade Commission - Federal Trade Commission (2014)
- How to Avoid Home Improvement Scams | Office of the Attorney General - Texas Attorney General