Nothing is more upsetting than the thought of a water leak in your home unless it is the thought of a hidden water leak, that is. Your concern might have been sparked by an unexpected and unexplainably large water bill or contamination in your water. But the added expense and the worry of extensive water damage is a heavy weight on your shoulders, and you need to get some answers quickly. And the only way to do that is with professional leak detection service.
Why Early Leak Detection Is Essential
Early leak detection is the only way to catch a small problem before it grows into a much more costly event. Not only are you paying for wasted water, but you will also be paying for water damage repairs. It is double the financial penalty. And the water could damage personal items that have great sentimental value and can never be fixed. You might hope and imagine that a dripping water line is not distributing much water under your home. But in reality, a leak that drips once each second will dump around 17 gallons of water a day into or under your home. That is more water than your dishwasher would use to wash three full loads of dirty dishes!
Potential Health Risks
With gallons of water leaking into the walls or floors of your home or under the foundation, you are sure to have mildew and mold growth appear. Moist areas are the perfect breeding ground for toxic black mold that will release harmful spores into the air that you and your loved ones are breathing. The result of breathing this contaminated air can be watery eyes, a stuffy nose, and even severe respiratory issues.
Locating A Leak In Your Home
If you are concerned about a water leak in your home, here are a few tips from our plumbing experts:
Stop And Listen
Listening for unusual sounds coming from your walls and checking floors for warm areas are the best way to start looking for a potential water leak in your home. You could hear a faint dripping sound, creaking from water lines, or feel warm or moist areas on the drywall or flooring.
Regular Home Inspections
As you walk through your home daily, you might think you are looking at walls and floors, but it is more of a casual glance. You tend not to notice tiny changes when your mind is occupied with the tasks of your day. Set aside a time each month to walk through your home with the express purpose of looking for indications of a water leak. It could be discoloration on walls or floors, bulging drywall, peeling paint, or even an area that smells of dampness and mildew.
Trust Your Nose
Most mold has a distinct odor. But you can detect and recognize an odd odor before it is permeated with mold spores. If you notice an area that does not smell right or is not as fresh and clean smelling, as usual, trust your nose. It is an early indication of a water leak, and you need to act fast.
A Big Water Bill
As we mentioned, many homeowners only begin to look for a hidden water leak after discovering a substantial increase in their water bill. But the first action is usually to call the water provider to ask about a billing error. And it can take days or even weeks to get around to making that inquiry. Be diligent when you get that shocking water bill. If it is not due to a clerical error, begin searching for a hidden water leak immediately.
Pest Invasions
As a rule, bugs and rodents will only invade your home when they can find water. So a hidden leak that is creating moisture is an invitation to ants, termites, and rodents. Seeing an uptick in your home’s bug population means it is time to start searching for their water supply.
While all of these tips help determine a leak is present, you will need professional help to repair it. Call (301) 278-8786 to schedule an appointment with the leak detection experts at A Better Plumber for fast and cost-effective solutions.
