How to Detect Slow Leaks in Plumbing

Some plumbing leaks are not so obvious.

Some plumbing leaks are easy to find because the water sprays out or drips out at a high rate of frequency. However, other leaks may be more difficult because they may seep, such as a toilet gasket, or drip intermittently, such as a shutoff valve. A slow leak can cause just as much damage as a more obvious leak. You can detect a slow plumbing leak using a method that involves common household products.

Things You'll Need

• Toilet paper
• Paper towel

Instructions

1. Dry the area of the suspected leak using a paper towel. Dry any exposed plumbing, such as shutoff valves. Ensure that the area is completely dry. It is essential to ensure that the water did not come from some other source.

2. Place toilet paper under the edge of a toilet base if the leak is suspected to be a toilet gasket. If the suspected leak is under a sink, place a paper towel under the shutoff valve or plumbing that is suspected of containing the leak. If the suspected leak is a coupling, elbow or T, wrap toilet paper around the suspected leak point.

3. Check the toilet paper or paper towel two to three times a day to observe whether any part of it is wet. If you find moisture on the paper products, there is probably a slow plumbing leak.