It can be really frustrating when you notice water leaking from your home plumbing system, but you can’t seem to identify the source of the problem. Luckily, there are some easy tests you can do to determine if your pipes are damaged and need to be replaced. Read on for tips on how to do this.

Get a Proper Estimate
If you have a water bill that’s higher than normal, you may want to check your water pipes for damage. In most cases, water leaks and pipe damages can go undetected for a while. By checking your water pipes regularly, you can detect any leaks and get a proper estimate for repairs or replacements. Here are some tips to help you check your water pipes:
- Turn off the main water supply to the house by fiddling with the valves near the meter.
- Look for signs of leaking: water seeping through cracks in the foundation, ceilings or walls; wet spots on the floor; flooding in basements; and sagging gutters or downspouts.
- Pressure test your pipes by filling a bucket with water and placing it next to the leak until it bursts. If there is a leak, the bucket will fill up much faster than it would if there was no leak.
- Contact a professional plumber to take a closer look at your water system and give you an estimate for repairs or replacements.
Check for Leaks

If you find water spilling out from under your sink, or if water is constantly running in one direction, then your pipes may be damaged.
- To check for leaks, first turn off the main water supply to your house by turning off the valve on the main line near the street.
- Next, use a bucket to fill up a large container with water and put it next to the kitchen sink.
- Turn on the faucet in the kitchen sink and watch to see if water starts spilling out of the bucket. If it does, then your pipes are probably damaged and need to be repaired or replaced.
Repair Corrosion and Frozen Pipes

If you’ve been noticing water pouring from your faucets or your sink stopping up, it’s time to take a look at your home plumbing. One of the most common causes of damage is corrosion, which can occur when water sits in pipes for an extended period of time.
To prevent pipes from becoming corroded, make sure they’re properly insulated and vented. If frozen pipes are causing problems, thaw them out by using hot water from a tap and pouring a bucket of cold water onto the frozen area. If this doesn’t work, use a plunger to break up the ice and suction the water out.
Replace Broken Pipes
If your pipes are breaking, it’s time to replace them. Here are some tips on how to know if your pipes are damaged and what to do if you find a pipe is cracked or broken.
If you have a water bill that jumps up every month, it might be because of damaged pipes in your home. Broken or cracked pipes can cause water to leak and damage surfaces around the pipe. If you find a pipe is cracked or broken, call a professional plumber right away so that the problem can be fixed as soon as possible.
Here are some tips on how to determine if your pipes are in need of repairs:
- Look for signs of leakage: If water is seeping out of the faucet or onto the floor, it means that there is probably a break in the pipe somewhere. Check all sprinkler heads and hoses for signs of damage, too.
- Listen for leaks: If you turn on the water and don’t hear any rushing noises, then there is likely a leak somewhere in the piping system. Look for places where water has leaked under the house or around fixtures.
- Feel for cracks: If you touch the side of a pipe, you might feel a crack. If there are several cracks in a pipe, it’s best to call a professional plumber.
If you find any of these signs of pipe damage, be sure to call a professional plumber right away.
Winterize Your Home
One of the best ways to ensure a warm and comfortable home during the winter is by plumbing repairs and maintenance. Properly winterizing your home’s plumbing can help prevent major problems from occurring, such as frozen pipes or burst water mains. Here are some tips on how to winterize your home’s plumbing:
- Make sure all joints in your pipes are properly sealed. This includes both the supply and return joints on indoor and outdoor piping. Check for leaks around taps and valves, and fix them as needed. If you have copper pipes, be sure to coat them with a corrosion-resistant sealant every six months during the winter to help protect them from freezing.
- Check your water meter and make sure it is properly calibrated. Inadequate water pressure can lead to frozen pipes, burst water mains, or even structural damage to homes. Be sure to contact your municipality if you notice any changes in water pressure that aren’t normal for the season.
- Insulate all exposed pipes using insulation batts, foam panels, or blankets. This will help keep your plumbing warm during cold weather and reduce the amount of energy that is used to heat your home.
- Shut off all water supplies to your home at the main meter and turn off all taps and valves inside and outside the home. This will help prevent any accidental leaks.
- Clear any snow and ice from around your home’s exterior pipes and fittings, then cover them with a heavy layer of sand or debris. This will help stop the accumulation of ice during the winter and protect the pipes from damage.
See if There is a Problem with Your Drainage System

If you have a problem with your drainage system, you should immediately call a professional. If you’re not sure if your pipes are damaged, here are a few ways to test it:
- Take a water hose and turn it on to full blast. If the water starts coming out of your pipe quickly, it’s likely that there is a problem. If the water starts coming out slowly, there may be something blocking the pipe.
- Pour some food coloring down the drain and wait for it to come back up. If there is clog in the drainage system, the food coloring will spread through the blockage and come back up clear.
- If you’re using a sink or bathtub, put some water in the basin and turn on the faucet until it’s full. If there is an issue with your drainage system, water will start coming out of the taps at different rates or in spurts.