Even a relatively slow leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water every year and cause thousands of dollars in structural damage. While finding and fixing a hidden leak can be time-consuming, that extra work will end up saving you quite a bit of money.
Checking your water meter is one of the best ways to catch a leak before it does too much damage. After you turn off all of the faucets and appliances in your home, you should head outside and write down the number on the meter. You can then go back outside after an hour and check the meter once again. If the number changed and no water was used in your home or on your property, then you might have a leak.
When faucets and appliances are used for years, they will sometimes develop slow leaks. A slow leak might not seem like a major problem, but even one or two drips every few seconds could end up wasting an incredible amount of water over time. When you are inspecting your appliances, you should feel all of the hoses, connectors, and adapters to see if there is any moisture.
In addition to being an expensive problem water damage can also result in some serious health risks. Some of the most common signs of water damage include discolored walls, sagging areas of the ceiling, and musty smells throughout your home. You also need to keep an eye out for any signs of mold near your sinks, toilets, showers, and baths.
When you find the cause of the water damage, you will need to call a plumbing professional. They’ll be able to assess the extent of the damage and how long the issue has been going on before they repair it.
Placing a few moisture sensors around your home is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent serious water damage. When moisture is detected, one of those devices will sound an alarm or send a message to your phone. Once the alarm goes off, you will be able to call a plumbing specialist who can track down and fix the leak. Those sensors should be placed in the basement, near your water heater, and under all of your sinks.
If you have tried these steps and still can’t seem to locate the leak, then you will need to call in some professional help. Hiring an experienced plumber will cost you a little extra initially, but their services are going to be worth it in the long run.
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