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