Unfortunately, plumbing leaks can happen at any moment. A small leak can cause a lot of inconvenience, but it is usually not difficult to fix if you are familiar with how to repair them.
The Long Beach Plumbers have put together a list below of useful tips from industry experts to help you be prepared for any plumbing emergencies.
These are the basics you need to know about fixing plumbing leaks in your house.
GET CLEAR ABOUT HOW MUCH WATER USES
It’s a good idea to keep track of the water consumption of your family on a monthly basis. You can quickly identify if there is a leak in your house by having a general understanding of your water consumption.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a household with 4 people using more than 12,000 gallons per months during cooler seasons is an indicator of potential leaks.
If not fixed quickly, even a small leak can lead to huge water bills. The EPA found that homes leaking water can waste up to 1 trillion gallons each year. This amount is equivalent to the annual water consumption in over 11 million homes. It is important to fix any plumbing leaks immediately. Don’t allow water to run off the drain or drip onto the ground.
LOCATE THE MAIN SHUTOFF VALVE IN YOUR HOME
It is important to locate the main water shutoff valve in your home. HouseLogic explained that you can immediately shut off water supply to your entire house if there is a leak in any part of the house.
THINK AROUND USING ADDITIONAL SHUTOFF VALVES
Additionally, it can be a good idea to have shutoff valves placed around your home. Most of these valves can be purchased for less than $10. You can have the ability to turn off water in certain areas of your house for repairs and keep it flowing in other rooms by installing additional valves. 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 to help identify a leak: Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank of your toilet. A plumbing leak is identified when there is visible color in the 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 may become brittle or corroded from minerals. The replacement of valve seals and flappers is easy and cheap – provided that the water is turned off.
CONTACT A LONG BEACH PLUMBING PROFESSIONAL
Some leaks are more difficult than others. To ensure the job is done correctly, it is important to hire a plumber Long Beach Plumber.