Leak Detection and Repair
n many homes and buildings across Nigeria, a water leak can go unnoticed for days, weeks, or even months. Whether it’s a minor drip behind a wall or a hidden loss under the floor, the issue always worsens over time if not addressed early. That’s why early leak detection and quick repair are essential to protect the structure of the home, avoid excessive costs, and preserve the water supply.
Visible and Hidden Leaks
The easiest leaks to spot are those in faucets, showers, or external connections where dripping is obvious. However, water often escapes silently from embedded pipes or underground connections. These hidden leaks are the most dangerous because while they go unseen, they continue to damage walls, foundations, or electrical systems.
Common signs of a leak include:
- Damp walls or ceilings
- Dark stains or mold in corners
- A constant sound of running water, even when taps are off
- Higher-than-usual water bills
- Reduced water pressure
Methods for Detecting Leaks
In urban and suburban areas where water installations are often varied and sometimes improvised, detecting the source of a leak requires experience and, in some cases, special tools.
- Visual inspection: in bathrooms, kitchens, patios, and elevated tanks.
- Pressure testing: to evaluate the condition of interior piping.
- Listening carefully: in silent environments, the hidden water flow can be heard.
- Monitoring usage: comparing the meter readings with the actual water use in the household.
When a hidden leak is suspected, it’s best to contact a professional who can investigate without breaking into structures unnecessarily.
Repair Based on Leak Type
Once the leak is located, the repair depends on the location and the type of material involved:
- For faucets or valves, replacing seals, gaskets, or loose parts is usually sufficient.
- For plastic or metal pipes, it may be necessary to cut and replace the damaged section.
- If the leak occurs in a hard-to-reach area, such as beneath a concrete floor, rerouting the pipe through a more accessible path might be the best solution.
- For elevated tanks or storage systems, the problem is often found at the base or in the inlet/outlet connections.
The key is to act fast to avoid greater water loss, higher utility bills, or structural damage.