| Rapid world population growth and lifestyle change | | | | done by a qualified plumber. |
| contribute to the increased demand for water by | | | | If you don't have a water leak detection system |
| mankind. Additionally, low level rainfall in some parts | | | | device installed in your house, you can always check |
| of the world, slowed the replenishment of water | | | | your house periodically for any water leaks, unless of |
| supply. | | | | course if you already hear those water dripping |
| Therefore, each one of us should make our best | | | | sound. Water leaks usually happen in areas where the |
| efforts in the conservation of one the most precious | | | | water-consuming appliance and plumbing fixtures are |
| commodity here on our planet, which is water. One | | | | located. Among the most obvious areas to look for |
| such effort is to watch out for water leaks in our | | | | water leaks are: |
| homes, no matter how small those leaks might be. | | | | 1. Bathroom & toilet area (check for leaks on |
| Although some water leaks are so slow that they | | | | showerhead, faucet, and water heating system) |
| are not detectable, some known leaks are being | | | | 2. Kitchen (check for leaks on faucet, dishwasher, |
| ignored by some homeowners. This is due to | | | | water heating system) |
| ignorance to the fact that small leaks that keeps on | | | | 3. Laundry room (check for leaks on faucet, clothes |
| leaking would sum up into thousands of gallons in a | | | | washer) |
| year. Imagine if all homeowners had that same | | | | 4. Garage and basement area (check on evaporator |
| attitude? | | | | cooler, hot water system) |
| Moreover, water leaks not only contribute to | | | | 5. Lawn (check on turf, low water use garden, |
| worldwide water shortage, but also cause damage to | | | | irrigation system) |
| some parts of the house's structure. Damages to the | | | | 6. Pool and spa |
| house structural elements could cause the house to | | | | 7. Patio |
| deteriorate faster, collapse, and cause injuries to its | | | | 8. Water meter |
| occupants. | | | | Detecting water leaks through the sight and sound |
| Water leak detection can either be done by | | | | may seem an easy task. This may be true in fast |
| periodically checking the areas and components of | | | | and big leaks, but slow and small leaks, it could be |
| the house's plumbing system or by installing a | | | | impossible to detect without the aid of a water leak |
| commercially available water leak detection device. | | | | detection device. Here are some tips in monitoring |
| There are mainly two types of water leak detection | | | | the house for possible water leaks. |
| system: | | | | 1. Water is leaking in your toilet when water is |
| 1. Passive Leak Detection Systems - are usually | | | | moving from the tank to the bowl when nobody is |
| stand-alone battery-operated devices that produce | | | | flushing it. |
| alarm sounds when its moisture sensor becomes | | | | 2. When your toilet is flushing itself when nobody is |
| wet, these alarms enable the homeowner to locate | | | | near the toilet. |
| exactly where the water leaks are and do the | | | | 3. Another method of detecting water leak in the |
| necessary repairs. Since these are battery-dependent | | | | toilet is to place food color in the tank, should you |
| devices, its battery should be checked regularly. | | | | see the color in the bowl after a few minutes then |
| 2. Active Leak Detection Systems - also sounds an | | | | you can conclude that there is a leak. |
| alarm when it detect water leaks, and will | | | | 4. Since most water pipes are embedded in the walls |
| automatically stop the water flow. It may use a | | | | and floors, we can only know if there are leaks when |
| moisture sensor or a flow sensor in monitoring any | | | | you see discoloration on a wall, ceiling, and carpet. |
| water leaks. There are two types of active leak | | | | 5. Detecting water leaks in sprinkling system is the |
| detection system:a. Individual appliance systems - | | | | same with spotting leaks on concealed piping |
| monitors leaks from a single appliance and | | | | systems. |
| automatically shuts off water supply to such | | | | 6. One such practical way to know whether you |
| appliance should leaks be detected.b. Whole house | | | | have water leaks in your house is to monitor your |
| systems - monitors leaks in the whole house and | | | | water bill. Should you have higher water bill with the |
| shuts off the main water supply to the house should | | | | same usual consumption, you could seek a |
| leaks be detected. A whole house system is | | | | professional plumber or check it out with your local |
| composed of several moisture sensors which sends | | | | utility company. |
| signal to control the valve via a radio signal or by | | | | Water leaks only worsen through time; it would be |
| means of wiring connections. | | | | wise for you to deal with it as early as possible. Early |
| Every house is unique and has a special situation to | | | | detection and repair shall save you money and |
| determine what type of water leak system is | | | | prevent damage to your house. If you ignore it, you |
| applicable. Some simple systems may be installed by | | | | are only postponing something you should do |
| the homeowner, but complex systems should be | | | | anyway. |