A hidden water leak is one of the most dangerous plumbing malfunctions. If you don't know the cause of the flooding, then you can't know the damage it can cause. For example, a leak that occurs near an electrical line or appliance can cause an electrical malfunction. For that reason, use these DIY leak detection tips if you suspect there is a water leak in the house:

Determine Whether the Leak Is In the Drain Pipe or Water Line

Anything that carries or uses water can cause leaks in the house, but they can be classified into two main categories – drain and water lines. The water lines carry fresh water into or within the house while the drain lines channel wastewater outside the house. Therefore, the first step is to determine which line is leaking; this will help you narrow down the diagnosis.

The best way to do this is to shut off all the water points in the house and check the main water meter outside the house. If the meter dial is still moving, then the leak has affected the water line; if the dial is not moving, then the leak has affected the drain line.

Examine the Connection Points

Most damages occur at connection points where pipes exit or enter an appliance or the joints connecting different sections of pipes. This makes sense because it is easier for the joints to be damaged (for example, due high pressure) than for the solid parts of the pipes and fixtures to be damaged. The joints or connection points can also loosen and leak. Therefore, check these points (in the appropriate line – water or drainage) before checking other places.

A neat trick is to dry off all the joints, connections and all wet points on the visible sections of your plumbing fixtures and pipes. After that you can use a dry tissue paper to wipe the same points and note where the paper gets wet – that is where the leak is.

Don't Ignore the Appliances

Lastly, you should know that leaks don't just affect water pipes and fixtures; even the appliances that use water in the house may malfunction and leak. In a typical house, the main water appliances are the washing machine and the dishwasher. A malfunction in either of these appliances can cause a leak, for example, if the dishwasher hose cracks.

Hopefully, the tips above will help you diagnose any leak you may be experiencing in the house. Consult a plumbing company like Roto-Rooter Sewer & Drain Cleaning Service for a professional diagnosis and fix if the tips don't work.