We all know that any water damage at home can cost you a lot depending on the extent of the damage, but in most cases, it could actually be more costly than you think. In addition to the obvious cost of repairs, which can increase even further if you fail to find and repair the water source immediately, it could also be extremely harmful to your family’s health. The molds may cause infections and respiratory ailments that could equally be as costly.
Water is capable of seeping into your home from a number of sources, inside and outside your walls. So, how do you tell exactly where it’s coming from? To check for leaks in your home, you first need to know if you’re wasting water. After that, it’s time to identify the real source of the leak. Here, top plumbing companies in Orem share some ways to find leaks in your property:
Monitor Your Water Usage During Winter
Observe your water usage during a colder month, say January or February. For a family with four members, a total water usage exceeding 12,000 gallons per month could mean that there are serious leaks that need to be addressed immediately.
Check the Water Meter
Turn off all your faucets and everything else in your home that runs water. Then, take a look at your water meter. Do you see any movement of the needle? How about the small triangle on the face? If you see any, that means you have a water leak. But, if it’s difficult to tell whether the dials are only moving slowly or are completely stagnant, get a pen and paper and write down the number as shown on your water meter. Don’t use any water at all for a few hours and check the meter once again. If there are any changes in the number, that means there’s a leak.
Change Your Rubber
While bad plumbing or damaged pipes are the usual culprits, these aren’t the only reasons for water damage. Other fixtures such as old and overused rubber stoppers, flapper valves, and washers could also be responsible for plumbing-related problems inside the toilet or around your fixtures. Once you see water pooling around your faucet heads, grab a wrench and replace the rubber washers right away. These won’t cost you much. When you go to the hardware store, take the old one to find the right fit easily.
Conduct a Test on Your Toilet
Do you hear any hissing sound coming out of your toilet even when it’s not being used? This is an indication of a leak. Here’s another way to check: drop some food coloring tablet inside the tank and wait for half an hour. If the water coming from your toilet bowl has turned into a strange new color, then your tank is leaking.
Finally, check your basement. This is the most likely place you’ll find water in your home as it’s in the lowest area of your property. Do a thorough check and if the damage is too much for you to handle, don’t hesitate to call the pros.
