Step 1: Check Your Water Meter

Before using any water in your home, locate your water meter and take a picture of the reading.

Then avoid using water for 30-60 minutes.

When you return, check the meter again. If the reading has changed, you may have a hidden leak somewhere in your plumbing system.

Step 2: Inspect Under Sinks

Open the cabinets beneath every sink in your home.

Look for:

• Water stains
• Damp wood
• Musty odors
• Mold growth
• Dripping pipes

Even a slow drip can cause significant damage over time.

Step 3: Test Toilets for Hidden Leaks

Add a few drops of food coloring to your toilet tank.

Wait about 15 minutes without flushing.

If color appears in the bowl, your toilet is leaking and wasting water around the clock.

Step 4: Check Around Water Appliances

Inspect the areas around:

• Water heaters
• Washing machines
• Dishwashers
• Refrigerators with water lines

Look for moisture, corrosion, warped flooring, or signs of previous leaks.

Step 5: Examine Exterior Faucets and Hoses

Summer means more outdoor water use.

Turn on exterior faucets and inspect for:

• Drips
• Cracks
• Leaking hose connections
• Soft or wet soil near spigots

Outdoor plumbing issues often go unnoticed until significant damage occurs.

Step 6: Look Up

Many homeowners only look down for water damage.

Check ceilings for:

• Stains
• Bubbling paint
• Sagging drywall
• Discoloration

These can be signs of plumbing leaks hidden behind walls or in attics.

Don’t Ignore Small Problems

A tiny leak today can become a major restoration project tomorrow. Water damage can impact flooring, drywall, insulation, cabinetry, and even your home’s structural components.

If you notice signs of a leak, water intrusion, or damage during your summer inspection, address it quickly before the problem grows.

At Legacy Restoration, we’re here to help homeowners recover from water damage and restore their homes when the unexpected happens.

A few minutes of prevention today could save you thousands tomorrow.