Hidden water leaks in the average home can lose around 10,000 gallons of water per year. In one in ten homes, severe leaks can cost up to $300/day and cause damage worth hundreds of dollars. Homeowners should make sure they practice plumbing leak detection as part of regular home maintenance.
While a few leaks such as running toilets and dripping taps can be repaired easily for a small cost, more serious problems such as a leaking hot water tank or boiler should be handled by a Long Beach plumber.
These are some tips to help you detect plumbing leaks.
These are signs that there is a hidden water leak:
- Low water pressure in the bath or shower? Turn off all fixtures and then turn them back on. A potential leak may be indicated if the pressure is higher that normal.
- If the boiler or hot water heater is constantly on, they may have water spots or wet patches around them, or make a hissing sound.
- Sometimes, the lawn has wet patches that aren’t gone even when it is hottest and most dry.
- Mold, stains, bubbling or peeling wallpaper or paint; yellow or brown spots on walls or flooring; buckling or cracking, warping, peeling or peeling; and discoloration are all signs that there is a water leak.
- Water running or dripping when it shouldn’t.
You can find hidden water leaks by using:
- You can monitor your water bill to see how much you are using. A jump in usage will indicate a leak. Utilities might offer customers online access to their accounts or a mobile application that allows them to track it more closely. An average family of four consumes approximately 12,000 gallons per month.
- The water meter should be read, and then the house should be left without water for 20 minutes. If the water meter moves, it is likely that there is a leak. You can determine if it is in the house or the service line by using the shut-off valve. Wait another 20 minutes. If the meter spins, it is likely that there is a leak in the water service line. If it does not spin, it could be in your home plumbing.
- Although a running toilet will not cause any damage, it can be costly for homeowners. You can find the hidden water leakage by adding a few drops to the tank and leaving it for 10 minutes. There is likely to be dye in the bowl.
- Regularly inspect the fittings, valves, and hoses of appliances such as washers, refrigerators, and dishwashers. They may need water, and could vibrate enough to cause them to come loosen.
- You should look for signs of corrosion, mineral buildup, or moisture around fittings and pipe joints.
While plumbing leak detection should be a regular part of a homeowner’s routine, it isn’t the only way to lose. If homeowners don’t practice water conservation, they could be paying more than necessary.
There are many easy ways to conserve water.
- Consider WaterSense-labeled water-efficient products when replacing an appliance or fixture.
- Use the dishwasher or washer only when it is full.
- When you are brushing your teeth or washing your hands, turn off the water tap.
- Do not let the water run constantly while washing dishes. Fill the sink with water instead.
- Instead of washing vegetables under running water, wash them in a bowl.
- Instead of taking a bath, take a shower.
- If the toilet is not low-flowing, install faucet aerators or a dam.
- Water the lawn only once a week, and water plants only when they are in need. Mulch helps plants retain moisture, so they can last longer without needing to be watered.
- You can use a rain barrel with a screen to capture water and keep mosquitoes away.
Your residents can save water by making behavioral changes and being aware of what to watch out for. Some residents may put off fixing their plumbing problems because they don’t have the money. Unexpected plumbing repairs can cause financial shock to your wallet and water system.