Any time plumbing leaks can occur, they are not uncommon. A small leak can cause a lot of inconvenience, but it is usually not difficult to fix if you are familiar with how to fix plumbing leaks.
The following tips are provided by our Long Beach Plumbers to help you be prepared for any plumbing emergencies. These are some things that you need to know about fixing plumbing leaks in your house:
UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH WATER YOU USE
It’s always a good idea for your family to know how much water they use each month. You can get a good idea of your water consumption by checking your water meters regularly to check for leaks.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, if a household of four finds it uses more than 12,000 Gallons per month in cooler seasons, this could be a sign of serious water leaks.
If not fixed quickly, even a small leak can lead to huge water bills. According to the EPA, leaks in homes can waste up to 1 trillion gallons of water each year. This is equivalent to regular water use in more than 11,000,000 homes. Leakages should be addressed immediately. Don’t allow water to run off the drain or onto the ground.
LOCATE THE MAIN SHUTOFF VALVE IN YOUR HOME
It is important to locate the main water shutoff valve in your home. You can immediately shut off water supply to your entire house if there is a leak.
CONSIDER ADDITIONAL SHUTOFF VALVES
You may also find it useful to have shutoff valves placed around your home. Most of these valves can be purchased for less than $10. You can install additional valves to allow you to turn off water in some areas of your house for repairs and keep it flowing in others. You can allow someone to shower while you fix the kitchen sink with additional valves.
IDENTIFY TOILET LEAKS
It can be difficult to spot leaks close to the toilet, especially if they are within the toilet’s flushing system. The EPA suggests the following tip: Using a few drops of food coloring to color the tank of your toilet can help you identify if there is a leak. A plumbing leak is identified when there is visible color in the water bowl within 10 minutes.
A toilet’s valve seal or flapper can often be the cause of a leaky toilet. If it isn’t replaced regularly, this small rubber part could become brittle or may not fit properly if minerals build up. Flappers, valve seals and other parts are easy to replace and cost-effective – provided that the water is turned off.
CONTACT A LONG BEACH PLUMBING PROFESSIONAL
Some leaks are more difficult to fix than others. To ensure the best possible results, you should consult a Long Beach plumber for more difficult jobs.