Hidden Leaks
Plumbing leaks can cause major damage to the structure of any home. In addition to floor damage, they may be responsible for sewage buildup in the backyard. If homeowners notice increasingly high water bills, this problem will only get worse with time.
Signs of an Invisible Leak
Since most plumbing leaks are not visible to the naked eye, homeowners must rely on a specific set of symptoms to detect water leaks. Plumbing issues can affect all aspects of the property, including the walls, plumbing fixtures, and lawn.
Damp walls or floorboards are a sign of significant water damage. To prevent floor replacement, a licensed plumber should be called immediately. If the water leak is not taken care of within several days of the issue being noticed, the carpeting may need to be ripped up to prevent mold from forming. Timely inspection is recommended regardless of the type of wall or flooring.
If mold has already occurred, homeowners may notice a musty smell. While this can happen anywhere in the home, it is most likely in moist areas. Mildew is most frequently found in smaller kitchens and bathrooms that do not have proper ventilation.
Underground leaks in the sewer system will eventually impact the lawn. Sometimes, this creates a wet spot in the area directly above the main water line. Other times, it can be identified in small sections of the yard. Especially lush areas are usually extra bright due to the nutrients found in the sewage system.
Analyzing the Water Bill
Any leak will cause the water bill to increase. Depending on the type of increase, this can indicate the amount of damage that has already been done to the property.
A sharp spike in the monthly water bill usually means a large leak somewhere in the plumbing system. Because vast amounts of water escape quickly, more water is wasted regularly. The average water bill in Colonial Heights, VA, is $36, but paying attention to individual bills will be important as every household is different.
A steady increase in the water bills is still cause for concern. This is trickier to spot, but if homeowners monitor their bills every month, they can begin to notice a pattern. A steady increase in water usage is unusual unless there are additional household members or plumbing damages. When there is a change in the water bill, a plumber can help assess the situation to prevent needless spending.
How To Test for Water Leaks
A video inspection camera is not the only way to tell if there is a leak. The water meter measures the water flow so that leaks can be detected without extra equipment. This test does not require a trained technician.
Depending on the neighborhood, a water meter is typically found on the edge of a lawn or the sidewalk. They look like medium-sized boxes and can be opened without a key. Most meters have a leak detection dial that is used to spot leaks.
When the water is running, the dial quickly spins in a circle. If there is a leaking pipe, the dial moves much more slowly. If there is any question about the speed of flow, a trained technician can use additional leak detection equipment to begin water leak repair services. Specialized tools are necessary to find the exact location of the leak.
About Colonial Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc.
Colonial Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc. is the plumbing and HVAC company homeowners in Colonial Heights, VA trust. Their experienced staff always offers on-time, personalized solutions, giving homeowners a clear explanation of services and never starting work without sharing a price. Contact them today for a leak detection service.
