02 Mar Learn How To Find and Repair Water Leaks Around Your Home
Any time plumbing leaks can occur, they are not uncommon. A small leak can cause a lot of inconvenience, but it is usually not difficult to fix if you are familiar with how to repair them. The Water Damage Restoration Service Experts are professionals and have years of experience. Here are some helpful tips to help you prepare in case of a leaky pipe in your home.
These are some things that you need to know about fixing plumbing leaks in your house:
UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH WATER YOU USE
It’s always a good idea for your family to know how much water they use each month. You can get a good idea of your water consumption by checking your water meters regularly to check for leaks.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, if a household of four finds it uses more than 12,000 Gallons per month in cooler seasons, it is likely that there are serious leaks. If not fixed quickly, even a small leak can lead to huge water bills. According to the EPA, leaks in homes can waste up to 1 trillion gallons of water each year. This is equivalent to regular water use in more than 11,000,000 homes.
Our Water Damage Restoration Service Experts recommend that you immediately address any leaks and not let water run off the drain or onto the ground. This will help conserve this precious resource.
LOCATE THE MAIN SHUTOFF VALVE IN YOUR HOME
It is important to locate the main water shutoff valve in your home. HouseLogic explained that you can use the main shutoff valve to turn off the water supply for the entire house if there is ever a leak.
CONSIDER ADDITIONAL SHUTOFF VALVES
You may also find it useful to have shutoff valves placed around your home. Additional shut-off valves can be purchased for as low as $10. You can install additional valves to turn off water in some areas of your house for repairs and keep it flowing in others. You can allow someone to shower while you fix the kitchen sink with additional valves.
IDENTIFY TOILET LEAKS
It can be difficult to spot leaks close to the toilet, especially if they are within the toilet’s flushing system. The EPA suggests the following tip: Using a few drops of food coloring to color the tank of your toilet can help you identify if there is a leak. A plumbing leak is identified when there is visible color in the bowl within 10 minutes.
A toilet’s valve seal or flapper can often be the cause of a leaky toilet. If it isn’t replaced regularly, this small rubber part may become brittle or if minerals build up. The replacement of valve seals and flappers is easy and cheap – provided that the water is turned off.