Leak Mitigation Tips
Toilets
Toilets are one of the most common sources of unnoticed leaks. Hundreds of gallons of water can be wasted each day due to parts that are worn out or out of adjustment. You can listen carefully for the sound of running water to detect water being wasted. If you hear water running after the toilet’s tank is full the you most likely have a leak. You will need to replace the malfunctioning parts, if you are not familiar with replacing your toilets parts please contact a certified plumber.
You can also use food coloring or a dye tablet placed in the toilets tank to reveal water leaking around the base of the water tank or where the toilet sits on the ground. Simply add the food coloring or dye to the tank and don’t flush if the water in the toilet bowl turns the color of your food color or dye tablet then you most likely have a water a leak. Before adding any food coloring or dye to your toilet ensure that you take the appropriate precautions to prevent damaging anything on or around your toilet by using the food coloring or dye tablet.
Water Heaters
Water heaters are another area to inspect for leaks. You will need to check all hoses connecting to the water heater as well as checking for seepage at the bottom of the water heater’s tank. If any leaks or other issues are identified it is recommended that you contact a certified plumber.
Sink Water Faucets
Hot and cold water faucets can leak in various ways. You will need to check the water lines that feed your faucets for leaks most commonly underneath the sink. The faucets can also leak overtime as the water knob o’rings and washers wear from age or over usage. These leaks are easily noticed by simply turning the hot and cold knobs to the open position if water leaks at or below the knobs, you have a leak. Replacement parts can be purchased at most any hardware store, but if you are not comfortable replacing these parts please contact a certified plumber.
Showers and Bathtubs
Showers and bathtubs are another source of water leaks from wear and tear of using them. You should check the hot and cold water faucets when they are turned off. If water is leaking then you will need to replace the worn parts or contact a certified plumber. Another often overlooked water leak in showers and tubs are leaks that appear when the cold or hot water knobs are in the on position. The leaks are a little harder to notice due to the abundant amount of water coming out while in use, but if you notice that water is coming out from anywhere other than the shower head or the water outlet then you have a leak. Please replace the worn parts or contact a certified plumber.
Washing Machines and Dishwashers
Washing Machines and Dishwashers are designed to keep water securely within the machine. You will need to check the hoses behind your Washing Machine as the hoses might not be tightened properly as well as below or behind the Washing Machine. Leaks that don’t seem to be coming from water lines maybe be caused by a crack or malfunctioning part inside of the machine. Dishwashers are very similar and you will need to check the hot water line that feeds your dishwasher normally located below your kitchen sink and runs to the dishwasher. You should also check beneath the dishwasher as well looking for water leaks. If you locate any leaks please replace or repair any hoses or contact a appliance repair service to repair any malfunctioning parts.
Water Hose Outlets
Hundreds of gallons of water are wasted each day due to outside water hose outlets. These leaks can go unnoticed because the leaking water can quickly drain into the surrounding grass. You should always check your water hose outlets and water hoses especially after the winter months looking for leaks caused by cracks from the cold winter weather or from sun damage. If your water hose outlet that connects directly to your house is leaking it is usually a good idea to contact a certified plumber to replace or repair the problem. If the water lines that feed your water hose is damaged it can cause a water leak within your homes walls that are hard to detect until the damage is already done.
Waterlines from your Water Meter to your Home
Leaks in the pipes that come out of the water meter to your home are sometimes difficult to identify, but you can look for standing water or mudding areas on your lawn that should not be there. If you identify any of these situations it is recommended that you contact a certified plumber to determine where the leak is and repair the damaged pipes. The pipes are buried many feet under the ground and the water lines can run for many feet which can make it hard to find the damaged area and repair them.
Swimming Pools, Fish Ponds and Water Fountains
These outdoor water features can also leak many hundreds of gallons of water and sometimes are very difficult to identify the damaged area especially if the problem area is buried in the ground. It is recommended to have your pool service or the contractor that installed your water features check for leaks on a regular basis. You can check for leaks around the pipes that are above ground that feed your water features and if a leak if identified please contact a certified plumber or the contractor that installed your water features.
Exterior Building
If you have an exterior building with water lines running to it, these lines can leak wasting hundreds of gallons of water that may go unnoticed. You should check for standing water or mudding areas that are unusual. If you locate a problem, it is recommended that you contact a certified plumber to evaluate the issue and repair the damage.