Did you know that more than 1 trillion gallons of water is wasted every year from water leaks. Summertime will most likely find you using more water, but there are some signs you’ll still want to watch out for that may indicate you’ve got a leak.
What You May See on Your Bill
A consistent, steep increase in your water bill is a major sign to look for. Before jumping to conclusions though, the first thing to think about is overall water usage in your home. If you recently had guests or it’s summer and your children have been playing outside with the water running or filling up a pool, then you may have your answer. Anything out of your normal watering routine could mean a possible spike in your bill.
If you’re noticing that your water bill is excessively higher than past months and you haven’t increased your water usage, then a leak may be the culprit. With a leak water is running 24/7, not just when you are using it. That will cause a spike in your water bill for the month.
What Might Change
Sudden changes in water pressure are a big indicator that you may have a leak or clog. If you notice changes in the flow of showerheads, faucets, or spouts you may have buildup in your pipes.
Pay attention to any sounds of dripping or trickling behind walls. If something seems out of the ordinary, be sure to have it checked out.
Water accumulation under your foundation may eventually make its way up into the floors of your home. Keep an eye out for unexplained warping, damp areas, or spots that may suddenly become darker.
When water is accumulating under your foundation, it eventually may find a way out. If you notice water pooled in areas around the perimeter of your home without explanation, like a hose or sprinkler, you most likely have a slab leak.
Areas on your flooring that are persistently hot may be an indicator that you have a hot water line leak. Be watchful for noticeable changes, especially on cold days, where one spot may appear to be warmer than the areas around it.
If your water heater is suddenly working non-stop, chances are high that there may be a hot water leak. When there is a leak in the hot water plumbing system, your hot water heater must run 24/7 to keep up.
Water damage doesn’t take long to result in mold and mildew. Saturated floors or damp walls will become a breeding ground very quickly. If you notice a sudden foul, musty, mildew smell then start checking for other signs of a possible slab leak.
What You Should Do
Be sure your water pressure is not set too high. Regulators should be set no higher than 80 p.s.i. High pressure can cause water leaks, breaks, or a possible pipe rupture due to increased stress on a plumbing system.
If you have seen some of these signs, you can do a simple water meter check to confirm there may be a leak. If you’ve run a check and determined there is a leak, then it’s time to get in touch with a professional immediately. A plumbing contractor will be able to do the appropriate analysis to determine the extent of the damage and what repairs may need to be made. Remember, the longer you wait to call a professional, the more extensive and expensive the damage may be.
If you do find yourself with questions or an obvious lead, we here at Pro Response Restoration are ready to take your call. We are here to help you get back to pre-damage conditions quickly and easily, with as little hassle as possible. Call us today!
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