Finding and Fixing Water Leaks
Water leaks are a common plumbing concern, but they generally do not give the gravity they deserve. Instead of thinking of a water leak as a leaky faucet, it is more beneficial to think of a glass of water being spilled in the same spot every hour until the problem is fixed. Even small water leaks can waste lots of water and cause serious damage to the home. Indeed, one of the most common reasons for insurance claims is water damage stemming from a small water leak.
Due to the seriousness of the situation, water leaks need to be addressed quickly. Learning the symptoms of water leaks is the first step to staying protected from their dangers. Here is a quick list of the signs of water leaks so homeowners can take swift action.
Keep an Eye on Water Bills
Homeownership requires many good habits to help manage the responsibilities that come with the job. Every month, owners should take a few moments to track their utility usage to help budget for the next month. Using a spreadsheet or app that tracks utilities, homeowners can also notice trends in utility usage. This information can be indispensable when it comes to identifying water leaks.
Even small water leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water per month. In most homes where the homeowner diligently tracks water and sewer bills, this will not go unnoticed, allowing the homeowner to look for a leak before it worsens, causes more damage, and raises even higher water bills.
Other Indications of Leaks
It may seem odd to rely on water bills to find water leaks, but the truth is that they are often hidden. Locating leaks would be easier if every leak made a telltale puddle and an auditory dripping or hissing noise. In reality, leaks are much more likely to occur and go unnoticed behind walls or underneath slabs. In these cases, homeowners must pay attention to other signs if they want to spot the leak.
Water leaks cause excessive moisture in the home, even below the slab. This moisture can manifest in an uncomfortable humidity level, developing mold growth or musty odors. It can also find its way underneath laminate floors, where the flooring will be cool or squishy. If wood floors are present, they may buckle.
How to Use the Water Meter to Find Leaks
Homeowners must take action if they spot any signs of a leak. The first thing they need to do is verify the presence of a leak, which can be done by going to the water meter and watching the dials. The dials on the water meter are very sensitive and will turn if water passes through them. If the dials are moving and no one uses water inside the home, a leak is present, and water leak repairs will be necessary.
About Green Hills Plumbing
Green Hills Plumbing has offered dedicated service for over 50 years. Their experienced teams offer the highest levels of quality for plumbing repairs and emergencies. Customers can expect a 100% satisfaction guarantee, upfront pricing, and clean workmanship in every service! Call today for a water leak detection service in Nashville, TN.