If the needle is still moving or the gears are still turning after turning off the water, you have a water leak. 

Slow Water Leak Detection

Plumbing leak detection can be most difficult when you have a slow leak.

Slow leaks can be more dangerous than major leaks because they are often less detectable. Often homeowners notice the result of a slow leak before they can identify the cause. 

Stains on ceilings, warping baseboards, soft drywall, stains and warping in cupboards under the sink, are indications of slow water leaks.

A slow leak can keep an area damp enough that mildew and mold grow quickly. Often mold will grow undetected inside walls, behind baseboards, and underneath the flooring. 

Find the leak as soon as possible to reduce the amount of damage to your home. Water repairs can be costly. We can help!

If a leak is detected early enough it may prevent major repairs and costly restoration work. 

Catching a water leak sooner than later could prevent the need to make an insurance claim leading to high insurance premiums.

Is Water Damage Covered by Insurance?

Insurance may or may not cover the cost of the water damage, depending on the factors that caused the water damage.

Coverage can vary depending on the type of policy and the insurance provider. 

Water damage is typically covered by insurance if it is a sudden escape from the water. Most likely insurance would not cover the cost of water damage from an ongoing leak or condensation. The cost of repairing the cause of the water damage would not be covered.

Insurance will often also cover water damage caused by a malfunctioning appliance, for example, a dishwasher that floods. Though your insurance provider may cover the cost to repair the damage, it will not cover the cost to replace or fix the appliance. 

In Alberta, most often insurance providers will not cover the cost of leaking pipes or bursts due to freezing indoor plumbing. 

Often insurance providers will cover the cost of damage of a sewer-line backup, but not the maintenance of fixing the sewer line itself. 

Contact your provider to understand the limitations of your insurance. 

Water Leaks and Damage Cause by Weather

Severe weather can cause flooding inside our homes or water damage. Do all you can to prevent water leaks caused by weather. 

Basement Flooding

If your basement has flooded due to rainwater, or fast melting be sure to have a sump pump installed. 

In Calgary, Chinook winds bringing warm air cause winter meltdowns frequently. Also be sure that your eaves are in good working order, without holes. Be sure to lower eaves to direct water away from your basement and foundation. 

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are very serious. Because water expands when it is frozen, a frozen pipe can expand and crack, damaging your home quickly.

Be sure to keep your furnace running, even when you are away from home to ensure water can move through your pipes.

Calgary winters are notorious for freezing pipes, that are exposed to cold temperatures, especially in trailer homes or modular homes. Be sure your pipes are insulated in colder parts of your home. 

Plumbing Leak Detection Check List

Use this checklist to help you identify leaks in your plumbing. 

Often plumbing leaks are hard to detect, so please call us for help identifying a water leak. It is important to stop the leak as soon as possible to avoid further damage. 

Bathroom

• Sink faucet
• Sink drain
• Sink  water shut-off valve 
• Toilet shut-off valve
• flapper/fill valve (consider using die test) 
• Tub/shower
• Showerhead
• Tub faucet
• tub/shower drain

Kitchen

• Sink
• Faucet
• Sprayer hose
• Sink shut-off valve
• Dishwasher connection
• Fridge water supply line

Laundry 

• Water supply line
• Water supply line shut-off valve
• Water drain

Hot Water Tank

• Shut off valve
• Water line connection

Outdoor Water

• Outdoor water shut-off valve