A water leak can cost wasted money, or worse, permanent damage to your home. If you suspect a water leak, you need to get to the bottom of it as soon as possible and take care of it at its source. Here are the signs of a water leak and how to know what you're dealing with..

Increases in Your Water Bill

Compare your water bill each month. Look at what the total is compared to last month, as well as what it was at this time last year. Significant differences could indicate a water leak somewhere on your property. To nip the problem in the bud, investigate where the source of the leak may be.

Meter is Running

Another sign of a water leak can be found at your water meter. Turn off all the water in your home, and go outside to look at your water meter. The dials should be still. If they are moving even slightly, you've got water leaking somewhere in your home.

Water Heater Clues

Inspect the area around your water heater. If the floor is stained orange, that could mean that water from inside the tank is leaking out. The orange color represents rust. Also check to see if there is a water stain line along the lower part of the wall near your water heater, or on the floor. Obviously, standing water under your tank is a clear indicator that the water heater is leaking.

If you detect a water heater leak, it needs be inspected by a plumbing professional, such as Absolutely Clear Sewers & Plumbing Service.

Plumbing Joint Leak

Check underneath your kitchen sink. There is lots of plumbing under there that could be the source of the leaking. If you notice any kind of bubbled finish on the interior of the cabinet, that could be water damage from a leak. Place a shallow basin under the elbow joint and check it the next day to see if the leak is still active. If you find water, it's time to call the plumber.

Toilet Leaks

A toilet leak can tack on a lot of extra water usage to your water bill over the course of a month. To find out if your toilet is leaking, try this trick:

Remove the tank cover behind the toilet. Add a dropper of red or blue food coloring. Open the toilet lid and check to see if the water has turned color. If it has, the flapper inside the tank isn't making a watertight seal.

Never delay taking care of a water leak. A few leaked drops can easily turn into hundreds of extra dollars on your water bill.