Water leaks can be a significant source of waste in a household, and they can also lead to expensive water bills and potential damage to your home. It is essential to identify and fix leaks as soon as possible. While some plumbing leaks can be easy to detect and fix on your own, others may require the expertise of a licensed plumber to ensure that your home is protected.
Regularly Check Your Plumbing Fixtures
One of the best ways to save water from leaks around your house is to regularly check your plumbing fixtures. Check your faucets, toilets, and showerheads for any signs of leakage. You can do this by visually inspecting them for dripping or pooling water. Alternatively, you can also listen for any sounds of running water when the fixtures are not in use. Sometimes a leak is in hidden pipes and not noticed right away. Professional plumbers can offer a full house plumbing inspection to see how the entire system is working.
Watch: Checking Your Water Meter to Check for Water Leaks
Fix Leaks as Soon as You Notice Them
If you notice any leaks, it is important to get them fixed as soon as possible. Even small leaks can add up to significant amounts of wasted water over time. In addition, leaving leaks unattended can lead to mold growth and water damage in your home. According to the EPA, households can leak nearly 10,000 gallons of water each year.
Install Water-Saving Devices
Consider installing water-saving devices such as low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and toilet tank fill diverters. These devices can help reduce the amount of water that you use and can also help detect leaks by reducing water flow when a leak is present.
- Replace older toilets with water saving ones.
- Avoid using toilet tank cleaners that may corrode the flapper
- Replace older showerheads with water saving ones.
- Keep your shower times short, turn off water when brushing teeth.
- Use Water Sense faucet aerators.
- Install older appliances with Energy Star dishwashers and washing machines.
- Monitor Your Water Bills
Your water bills can also be a good indicator of potential leaks in your home. If you notice a sudden increase in your water bill without a corresponding increase in water usage, it may be a sign of a leak somewhere in your home. You can test if you have a leak by checking if there is movement at the water meter box when no water is on in the house. If there is movement, it is important to investigate the source of the leak and have it repaired as soon as possible.
Why You Should Use a Licensed Plumber to Repair Leaks
While some leaks can be fixed on your own, others may require the expertise of a licensed plumber to ensure that your home is protected. Licensed plumbers have extensive training and the experience necessary to identify and repair leaks in a safe and efficient manner. They can also ensure that the repair is done correctly, preventing future leaks and potential water damage to your home.
In addition, licensed plumbers have the proper tools and equipment to repair leaks. They can also identify potential plumbing problems that may not be apparent to the average homeowner. By using a licensed plumber to repair leaks, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home is protected, and the repair is done correctly the first time.
Plumbing leaks can be a substantial cause of water waste and can also lead to costly water bills and potential harm to your home. By regularly checking your plumbing fixtures, fixing leaks as soon as you notice them, installing water-saving devices, and monitoring your water bills, you can save money and safeguard your home. To ensure that your home is protected, it is also important to use a licensed plumber to repair leaks, so the repair is done correctly. By taking these steps, you can save water, protect your home, and reduce your water bills.
Plumbing Geek (Lic. # 1002182) serves the Concord, CA and surrounding areas. We offer full house plumbing inspections to determine if you may have a leak problem.
Call today to find out more! (925) 270-7492