Spot Water Leaks Before They Run up Water and Repair Bills
Water leaks are one of the most common problems that homeowners run into. They are particularly frustrating because they can be relatively benign or devastating, depending on the secondary damage they do to the home. The leak is running up water bills that will cost dearly at the end of the month.
Water leaks must be caught early and repaired promptly to prevent high water bills and damage to the home. What follows is a quick guide to make water leaks a little easier to spot so homeowners can respond appropriately and get repairs done.
Signs of a Leak
Every home has hundreds of feet of pipes, and each one is vulnerable. This can make spotting leaks tricky since most people don’t know the routing or condition of pipes within their walls. Identifying water leaks under slabs is even harder, so it can be hard to make an exhaustive list of signs of water leaks simply because they can manifest in many ways. However, the most common signs of water leaks are:
- Musty odors and visible mold growth
- Wet spots on the ceiling or flooring
- Buckled wood flooring or squishy floating floors
- Dripping or hissing noises
- High humidity
- Wet spots in the lawn
- Insect problems
Track Water Bills
Since water leaks may be hidden, the water bill is the most powerful tool for finding them. Unfortunately, once the water bills arrive, the costs are already incurred. However, monitoring water usage and looking for spikes is a very effective way to learn about water leaks.
Monitoring water bills is easy. Homeowners should log their monthly bills and usage into a spreadsheet or app. This process only takes a few moments every month and can save homeowners money and headaches.
Use the Water Meter To Test for Leaks
If the homeowners suspect a water leak, there is a simple way to test for them. This test can be done at any time, regardless of whether or not there are other signs of water leaks. To start the test, wait until no one else is home or instruct everyone not to use the water in the home for the next few minutes. Additionally, turn off all appliances that may call for water. Next, find the water meter at the municipal connection.
Remove the cover and find the dials projecting from the water main line. On the dial, there should be two or three gauges and a wheel. The wheel will move when water is flowing through the pipe. If the wheel is slowly moving, then there is a leak somewhere in the home. Observe the dial for a few moments to confirm the wheel's movement. Call a leak detection service immediately for repairs if a leak is present.
About A&A Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling
A&A Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling handles HVAC and plumbing issues for the local community. Their teams can offer plumbing solutions to any problem, from drain cleaning to leak repairs. Call today for plumbing service in San Antonio, TX.
