How to Avoid Home Plumbing Leaks
Do you know what the worst part of a plumbing leak is? The money you have to spend to repair the leak, the possible damage it can do to the room that it’s in, the mold that can grow if the leak is one that’s been unnoticed — you take your pick. However, there are things you can do to avoid having a plumbing leak occur in your home.
- Listen Up – Go into each bathroom in your home and stand still for a few moments. If you happen to hear a constant “running” noise, you may have a tank leak in your toilet. Leaving this leak unfixed can boost your monthly water bill by almost 50 percent.
- Take a Peek – Look in the cabinets under each sink, behind washing machines, and underneath refrigerators and dishwashers at least one to two times per year. Make sure there are no leaks, drips, or moisture present.
- Inspect the Wood – If you have plumbing pipes running through your basement or crawl space, check the wooden structure that is closest to the pipes. If any of this wood is warped or discolored, moisture is present. In the areas of damaged wood, the pipe itself should have some form of condensation and corrosion on it as a dead giveaway.
- Water Heater Check – This fixture should be inspected and serviced at least once per year to make sure it is operating efficiently. Failure to do so can result in leaks going to and from the unit. If you haven’t inspected yours in over a year, contact a professional to do so.
- Check the Meter – Make sure there are no appliances, fixtures, or people using the water in the house. Head outside and mark down the number on the water meter. For two hours, do not use any water. After the two hours have passed, check the reading on the water meter. If the number has gone up, contact a plumber to come and find the leak.
Plumbing leaks can start drip by drip, but end up leaving you with a burst pipe, water damage, and mold. When you need a plumber to service your home’s plumbing, contact Lancaster Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (717) 207-8198.
