Locating the Problem
Water leaks can occur in the walls or underneath kitchen sinks just as easily as they can occur underground. When a small crack forms inside the plumbing, it causes an increase in monthly bills and can jeopardize the entire plumbing system. To avoid home repairs and pipe replacement, paying attention to a few key signs is important.
An Increase in Water Bills
A sharp spike in the water bill may indicate a burst pipe. These can be extremely costly and dangerous if they are not fixed immediately. Depending on the size of the leak, water bills may also rise over time. Homeowners are advised to keep track of their monthly bills for at least one year to understand what’s normal for their household.
Water damage is an expensive issue for any home. Indoor leaks can cause mold to form, which will need to be removed for the safety of the household. An entire renovation may be necessary if the leak has been there long enough. In addition to replacing furniture and art, wooden floorboards must be replaced.
Property damage includes the backyard, and if an underground pipe bursts, it can lead to a sewage leak. One way to identify a sewer line leak is to look at the grass and foliage. If one spot is significantly greener than the rest of the lawn, this is likely from nutrients inside the pipes.
Seeing the Problem
It takes specialized equipment, such as a sewer line camera, to physically see underground cracks. Since most homeowners don’t have leak detection equipment, they are encouraged to look at the symptoms rather than damaging the pipe.
Peeling paint is one of the first signs of water damage. When moisture builds inside the interior walls, the wallpaper crinkles, and the paint cracks. Calling a professional at this stage can save homeowners hundreds of dollars.
Heavier leaks, or ones that have been neglected, cause ceilings to sag. Sometimes, it happens below an upstairs bathroom. If this occurs, the entire ceiling can collapse in minutes. Calling a plumber before this happens to protect the home and household is imperative.
In addition to visually spotting leaks, reduced water pressure is often reported when there is a broken valve. This happens when sediment builds up in the plumbing system and causes cracks. As water escapes, the water flow decreases, usually felt during the shower when it takes longer for household members to wash their hair. Water leak repair can be finished in under a day if used early.
If small leaks are dealt with as soon as they are spotted, the underlying problem can be repaired. Neglected leaks become more expensive in the long run and may cause health problems such as dizziness, headaches, and respiratory issues due to mold growth.
How to Use the Water Meter
A water meter identifies leaks on the property. It is in a gray box, typically near a sidewalk or curb. The average water meter uses cubic feet to measure the flow of water. If the flow is disrupted, this could mean there is a crack somewhere in the plumbing system where water is escaping.
To check for leaks, homeowners must first turn off all water appliances. They can then watch the asterisk or detector triangle on the dial to see if it turns. A functional plumbing system will not cause the asterisk to move.
The exact location of the leaking pipe is nearly impossible without the right equipment. A trained and licensed professional can find the issue and repair the plumbing system much faster than homeowners without experience.
About Plumb Tite Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drains
Plumb Tite Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drains provides water leak detection services as well as leak repairs. They are a team of licensed and trained professionals with A+ ratings and BBB accreditation, so clients are assured that their home service issues are in good hands. Call today for trusted and lasting water leak detection and services in Cincinnati, OH.