If you hear water running from the main water valve but can’t find the exact source, you could be in for some challenges. Such cases might send you into a frenzy, you check the water lines, tap, visible taps, and others just to find the leaking area.. While you are convinced it is a leak, your mind tells you otherwise.
So, why does it sound like water is constantly running when there is no leak? It could be a broken toilet flapper. It could also be a leakage in the internal pipes, producing those sounds. A leaking water heater is another reason why water supply is compromised. Experts also think that a broken slope significantly increases the chances of water leakage. Whatever the cause of the leakage is, you need to put measures in place to solve it. This guide discusses some of the things you should do in that case.
Evaluating the Cause of the Leak
If it sounds like water is running when you haven’t turned it on, there could be a problem. Given that you didn’t get any leakages during the assessment, you could be wondering what to do next. You shouldn’t have to worry because we are here to give you a way out. It is vital that you follow instructions to the latter. Start by turning off the water heater and all taps. You should ensure that no source is draining water.
After that, listen carefully and see if you can still hear any running water. If you still can hear it, there are several courses. For instance, your toilet flapper might have sustained damage. The flapper could also be passing water through various pipes in the house. This could be the cause of the noise. Similarly, the internal pipes you were not able to check could also be leaking. Identifying the cause of the problem is the first step towards solving it. Therefore, you should do everything possible to try and pinpoint the exact source.
Identifying the Cause of Running Water Sound
Having known the possible causes of running water, it is time to know a little bit more about them. You should also know why you didn’t pinpoint the problem in your first attempt. You could have been looking at the visible pipes, wires, and hose for leakage. Alternatively, you could be trying to see if the is water constantly dripping from taps after you have closed them.
There could also be a carpet above the asbestos tile. This is why you could not feel the damp tiles. Some users also try to listen to the water heater when it is still on. Perhaps, that’s why you could get any reasonable conclusion. While this might seem tricky, there is reliable way you can pin point the problem. Knowing the exact reason makes it so easy to fix the problem. Here is how you can do so!
Read The Sweep Hand on the Water Meter
Start by placing a water meter anywhere on the ground. Note that it should be outside the house. You can also choose to place the meter in front of the main door of your house. You will notice that the gap between the sweep hand and triangle is visible and clear. This makes it easy to read it accurately. After getting the water meter, try and see the location of your sweep hand.
After that, turn off the entire house water supply. Check the sweep hand once more. For instance, it might be at 5 currently. After four to five hours, the sweep hand should be on 6. This should be the case because when water runs through the pipes, the hand moves. When the water supply is off, the hand shouldn’t move.
If it moves to 6 or 7, there is a leak on the pipes. In that case, you should think of contacting a professional. This will go a long way in fixing your water leakage problems. You are warned against trying to fix the system on your own. There is so much technology that goes into a water system, meaning you need expert knowledge to handle it. Trying to fix it by yourself could easily result in further damage.