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8 Things to Know About Leaks
For longtime homeowners, you may know a thing or two about leaks. However, for most homeowners, whether they just purchased a home or have had it for a while, there are still some facts you should know about leaks.
Some leaks can be small, and others can be a big deal depending on the location and cause of the leak. Water leaks are no fun, and not only do are they detrimental to your home’s plumbing system, but they can also cause serious damage to your structure, furniture, appliances, and more.
Here are some facts about household leaks you probably didn’t know!
#1 Some Leaks are an Easy Fix
Some of the most common household leaks aren’t always a cause for concern. However, if left alone for too long, they can become a major problem. Leaky valves, fixtures, and worn-out toilet flappers are some of the most common leaks that plumbers run into and can usually be fixed in a matter of minutes.
#2 Leaks Waste Gallons of Water on Average
One leaky faucet can result in about 3,000 gallons of water wasted in just a year. A lot of homeowners write off leaky faucets and let them leak for long periods of time, but in the amount of time a leak goes neglected in a year, you could take at least 180 showers. Even the smallest leak in your faucet can waste thousands of gallons of water, so it’s important to always address a leaky faucet as soon as you notice it.
#3 Leaks Aren’t Always Noticeable
The tricky thing about household leaks is that you can either notice them in plain sight or never even notice them at all. Leaks can be found in areas around your home that are hidden like the basement ceiling, behind walls, underneath floors, underneath slabs, and more.
The best way to determine if your home has a hidden leak is by paying close attention to your water bill and calling a professional plumber for leak detection services.
#4 Showerhead Corrosion Causes Leaks
Because showerheads are susceptible to corrosion, they can cause leaks. Constant use of a showerhead eventually leads to corrosion, especially if your home has hard water with mineral buildup. After a while, the corroded parts of the showerhead will begin to leak, so it’s a good idea to replace your showerhead once you notice signs of wear and tear.
#5 Hot Water Tanks Leak
If you didn’t think your hot water tank can cause a small or major leak, we’re sorry to tell you that it can, especially if it goes ignored. Hot water tank leaks can easily be repaired by an experienced plumber, however, if you wait too long to fix the leak, the tank can rupture. This can cause major damage to your home and potentially lead to other serious plumbing problems.
#6 Ignored Water Leaks Can Cause Major Damage
As we know, a small water leak can turn into a major issue for your home that can lead to structural damage, mold growth, dry rot, and more. Ignoring a leak can also threaten the foundation of your home. If you’re not sure if your home has a leak or not, we suggest contacting your local plumbing company for leak detection services.
#7 Leaks Will Show Up on Your Bill
If you suspect your home has a leak, pay extra close attention to your monthly water usage according to your water bill. We have experienced that a sudden unexplainable spike in a water bill is a sure sign that there’s a leak. To know if there is a leak for sure, we suggest contacting your water company to send a technician to read your water meter again and check for an outdoor leak.
Your water company should almost always be able to tell you if there’s a leak. Once you know if there’s a leak or not, or if your water company doesn’t find one, then we recommend contacting a plumber to inspect and detect exterior leaks.
#8 Contacting Green Planet Plumbing & Sewer, LLC Can Save Your Home from Leaks
Getting regular inspections for leaks can almost certainly help prevent household leaks. Having a trustworthy plumbing company like Green Planet Plumbing & Sewer, LLC can help you stay on top of your home’s plumbing problems and even prevent problems from occurring. Contact us at Green Planet Plumbing & Sewer, LLC to schedule an appointment and discuss your plumbing maintenance!