Pooling water is an obvious sign that there is a leak in your plumbing. Some leaks are much less noticeable, but they may be just as serious. Water damage can destroy your floors, ceilings, walls, and property.
Leaks can occur for many reasons. Most often it boils down to inadequate maintenance of drains, toilets, pipes, showers, and sinks. Corrosion, old or weak parts, and loose fittings also may play a part in plumbing issues.
One of the most common ways that water is wasted in the home is by a running toilet. If your toilet makes a hissing noise when you’re not using it, this is a sign you might have a leak. You can test your toilet for leaks by placing a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If color shows up in the tank after 15 minutes without flushing, you have a leak.
Even a slow drip in your sink, shower, or tub faucets can cost you large amounts of money each month. Inspect your faucets and ask a plumber to repair any that are dripping or pooling. A qualified plumber will check faucet washers and gaskets for wear and replace them if necessary.
Your home’s water meter can be used to determine if there is a leak in your home. Check your meter, then don’t flush your toilet, run the faucet, or use any water for two hours. After this time, check the meter again. If it does not read exactly the same, you know you have a leak. Pay attention to your water bill. An unexplained increase or sudden spike in your water bill is another indication that there is a plumbing problem in your home.
If you notice swampy or unexplained wet areas in your grass, especially near your main water line, you could have an underground leak. A plumber has specialized equipment that will allow him to assess the situation and make repairs as needed. In a video pipe inspection, a camera is sent down the pipes to determine where the leak is. This technology allows the plumber to locate the problem without digging up large areas of your yard.
While some leaks may be easy to spot, others require the expertise of a certified plumber. It is a good idea to have a plumber make routine checks on your plumbing system. Annual maintenance will ensure that any issues are found quickly before the problem gets worse.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 11,000 gallons of water are wasted each year from running toilets, dripping faucets and other plumbing leaks in the home. Most of these leaks are easily fixed and could save you hundreds of dollars on your water bill. Got a leak? Why not give McMahon a call today?
