HOUSEHOLD LEAKS
Don’t let leaks sneak up on you.
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There are literally dozens of points around your home where a plumbing leak can spring up. Things like dripping faucets are easy to detect, generally easy to fix, and don’t cause much damage—other than to your nerves.
However, most of the places where leaks occur aren’t so evident, and because they are hidden these leaks can cause major damage before you know they exist. To make sure your home doesn’t get waylaid by water, check these potential problem areas at least once a month.
- Dishwasher – check connection to sink, examine baseboard and floor for warping or fading
- Refrigerator – examine hose connection to icemaker, check connections and line itself
- Washing Machine – check hoses for cracks or excessive wear
- Sinks – look in cabinets under sinks, feel pipes for wear and loose connections
- Water Heater – inspect unit for rust or soft spots on tank exterior, look directly below tank for wet spots
- Bathtubs and Toilets – look for soft spots in the floor, check caulking and seals
If you think a monthly check-up seems excessive, remember that the key to avoiding major damage is early detection. The longer a leak goes unnoticed, the more expensive it gets.
Here are some other warning signs that can tip you off to a potential leak:
- You hear a “toilet running” sound but your toilet isn’t running
- You smell dank odors that seem to originate from floors or walls
- Your water bill increases suddenly or even gradually
- You feel warm spots on your floor (more evident in homes built on slabs)
If you suspect you have a leak, there’s an easy way to find out. Shut down everything in your house that uses water – appliances, toilets, sprinklers, everything. Read your water meter. Read it again in a couple of hours. If your meter has moved, you have a leak.
Contact Rescue Rooter® right away for fast, professional help with any sort of leak.
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