Finding leaking pipes may appear challenging and possibly too difficult to do on your own if you have no prior plumbing experience. However, knowing some basic information on how water is used in your home may actually help you solve a minor leak. Here are three ways to find a leaking pipe by yourself. 

How to Find a Leaking Pipe

1. Check Your Water Meter and Bill 

Turn off all the water in your home. Come back in one hour to recheck the meter and turn the water on. If the numbers change, you probably have a leak inside your home. Consider comparing your monthly water bills from the past few months. If your bill is staggeringly more expensive or you notice that much more water seems to be used than you did, contact a plumber to help diagnose the problem. 

2. Test the Toilet

Try doing the dye test on your toilet. The flapper on the toilet often deteriorates and gets weaker over time, causing water to leak into the bowl. Put a few drops of food dye into the tank on the back and wait five minutes. Do not flush. If the flapper is leaking, the colored dye will appear in the bowl. If this is happening, call your plumber to replace the part. 

3. Use Walls as an Indicator 

If you notice bubbling on your wallpaper or discolored water stains on ceilings and nearby windows, you may have a leak. This usually means the leak is located in the walls, which requires a plumber's expertise. Bring an expert in to determine where the leak is before having to remove parts of the wall to find the source.

If you need drainage or plumbing services in Lincoln, NE, or the surrounding area, contact Taylor's Drain & Sewer Service. Since 1976, they have been solving complex plumbing issues, including grease trap pumping and water jetting. Call them at (402) 474-5213 or visit their website to learn more about their services to get your pipes flowing again.