Tips To Catch Water Leaks Early
Water leaks are some of the most devastating problems in a home. While they may seem innocuous, records show that damage from water leaks is one of the biggest reasons for filing homeowner's insurance claims. The main danger of water leaks is that they can go unnoticed until massive damage is done. This makes early detection key to preventing ruined walls and flooring and flooding in the home.
Spotting water leaks can be tricky because leaks can form at any point in a home's plumbing. Here are a few tips to help homeowners spot the signs of leaks using some techniques they may not know.
Signs of Leaks
Hundreds of feet of piping run through the walls in any given home. Each foot of pipe and every joint represents a place where a leak can occur due to poor installation or wear and tear. Leaks can be particularly hard to spot when they form below slabs or behind walls. That's why homeowners should be vigilant about noticing the signs of leaks. The common signs of water leaks in a home are:
- Cool, moist concrete floors
- Hissing or dripping noises with no obvious source
- High water bills
- Humidity problems
- Soaked carpets
- Squishy flooring
- Mold growth on walls or flooring
With these problems, water has to come from somewhere. Most often, it comes from hidden leaks that are slowly causing damage to the home. When these signs are seen, the owner must call a plumber for an assessment of the damage.
Monitor Monthly Bills
Hidden water leaks, especially slab leaks, can be hard enough to spot that the leak may persist for a while before the problem is noticed. If homeowners aren't diligent in spotting the signs, it may take until the end of the month before the most obvious sign shows up in the mail.
Water bills are a monthly headache that most homeowners don't pay enough attention to. However, water bills contain valuable information about the state of the plumbing system in the home for those willing to pay attention. When spikes in water usage are seen, it is one of the best indicators a homeowner could ask for regarding the presence of a water leak. Even the smallest leaks waste hundreds of gallons of water every month, enough to notice a spike in water costs.
Use the Water Meter
If a water leak is suspected, it is recommended that owners call a plumber who specializes in leak detection right away. However, if they aren't certain, there is an easy test that anyone can do to gather more information about water leaks in their home. It's a good idea to do this test periodically for home maintenance.
To perform the test, ensure no water is used in the home. Locate the municipal water meter and find the gauge. On the gauge, there will be a dial that indicates flow. If the dial turns, a leak is present in the home.
About City Plumbing
City Plumbing has master plumbers and HVAC technicians who offer complete service to homeowners. They use the latest technology for installation and repairs and stand by their work. Call today for plumbing service in Philadelphia, PA.
