Stop Water Damage in Its Tracks
Plumbing problems can be a pain because there are a lot of things that can go wrong. Water leaks can occur at any point in a home's piping and dribble water in ceilings and behind walls, where they can do lots of damage before a homeowner spots them.
Detecting leaks early on is the best way to stop water leaks from wrecking the house. Homeowners should take the time to learn the signs that water leaks are occurring. By spotting leaks early and enlisting the help of a professional for water leak repairs, homeowners can save money on water damage repair costs and water bills. Here is a quick list of things to look out for so that water leaks can be spotted as soon as possible.
Signs of Water Leaks
Sometimes, homeowners get lucky. Occasionally, water leaks will occur in faucets or fixtures hooked up to a tub or basin that can catch the water. Other than wasting a little water, these leaks are easily repaired and quickly noticed. Unfortunately, at some point, nearly every homeowner will have to deal with a leak that isn’t so convenient.
The difficulty with spotting most water leaks is that they come from hidden places. Not only can the source not be seen, but the way water travels can seriously obscure the source of the water leak. Luckily, all leaks leave signs that indicate they are present. Look for these signs to determine if a water leak is present:
- Brown spots or water stains on ceilings and walls
- Wet spots in the carpet or flooring
- Hissing or dripping noises when no water is on
- High water bills
- Wet spots in the lawn
- Low water pressure
- Mold and mildew growth
Keep Track of Water Usage
One of the responsibilities that goes along with being a homeowner is to keep track of utility bills. Tracking bills is a great way to spot problems in the home. The one sign that every water leak will have in common is that it will run up water bills. If homeowners aren’t taking the time to track their water bills, they may have wasted precious time that they could’ve spent repairing the problem.
The easiest way to track water bills is to keep a spreadsheet. Having a spreadsheet for each utility makes it easy to see usage at a glance. If a spike is present, there is obviously a problem, and the homeowner should call a plumber to locate the leak and repair it.
Use the Water Meter to Spot Leaks
Another way homeowners can notice a leak is by using their water meters. The water meter is an easy way to confirm the presence of a leak. Some water meters have a leak indicator that can appear as a small icon, such as a triangle that can move or flash when it detects a leak.
But even without an indicator, water meters can still be used to spot a leak. Start by ensuring all of the plumbing fixtures in the home are turned off, and nothing is using water. Next, locate the water meter and take note of its reading. Come back after about an hour or two without using water during that time and recheck the reading. If it has changed, there’s likely a leak present, and the homeowner should call a plumber.
About PlumbCrazy
PlumbCrazy has more than three decades of experience serving Abingdon and the surrounding areas. They offer a customer-first approach and timely and efficient service. Call them today for water leak detection and repair in Abingdon, MD.
