Your plumbing system has two jobs: bringing clean water in and carrying waste water out. While simple in concept, it can get confusing when something goes wrong. Knowing how to spot the difference between types of leaks can save you stress, money, and damage to your home.
Water Supply vs. Drain Leaks
- Water Supply Leaks (Pressurized): These are constant. If a pipe is leaking, it won’t stop until the water is shut off. Common examples are pinhole leaks in copper pipes,, water gushing from ceilings, or wet spots that don’t dry.
- Drain Leaks (Intermittent): These only happen when water is being used. A tub overflow that drips when a bath is drained is a classic example. If it only leaks during use, it’s a drain problem.
Quick Leak Check Using Your Water Meter
- Make sure no water is running in the house.
- Check your water meter’s flow indicator. If it’s moving, water is leaking somewhere. 3. Shut off your home’s main water valve. If the meter stops, the leak is inside. If it keeps spinning, the leak is in your yard or service line.
Signs of Major Plumbing Problems
- Water pooling in the yard (often a broken service line)
- Wet spots or water dripping from ceilings or walls
- Basement flooding without a clear source
- A sudden unexplained spike in your water bill
Why It Matters
Catching leaks early prevents costly water damage and avoids wasting thousands of gallons of water. Even a small pinhole leak can add up to hundreds of dollars on your water bill if ignored.
