Water Leak Service
It was an elderly Benjamin Franklin near the end of his life who gave us the famous quote, “Nothing is certain except death and taxes.” Wisely prophetic words, to be sure, but most modern homeowners can think of at least one more thing to add to that list: water leaks. Even for newer homes, leaks are a perpetual problem. According to the EPA, 10% of American homes are experiencing one at any given time, accounting for the loss of at least 90 gallons of water per day.
Common Causes Of Water Leaks
Several factors may contribute to leaks, including burst or cracked pipes, corrosion, clogs, broken seals, tree roots, pest damage, roofing issues, loose connectors, joint damage, water pressure problems, ground shifts, and rapid temperature fluctuations. But no matter what the cause, leaks are difficult to guard against. Even worse, they are sometimes hard to detect early on. Many leaks go unnoticed until considerable damage has been done and the problem becomes more obvious. Early detection and vigilance are critical to warding off costly repairs. Do you know what to look for? Let us break it down for you.
How To Monitor Your Home For Water Leaks
Keep an eye on your bill. A home’s usage is generally consistent. If your bill suddenly spikes, and you cannot account for the extra consumption, you might have a leak. Check your lawn. If there are patches of grass that are greener than the rest of your yard, there could be a leaky line somewhere underneath. You may even see wet spots or puddles on your lawn if the leak is bad enough. Over time, the accumulation can find its way into your home.
Do a spot check around the house. Take a look at the places in your home that utilize water and make sure the areas surrounding them are dry. This includes sinks, tubs, toilets, showers, cabinets, kitchen, and laundry rooms. Check around appliances, too, such as your dishwasher and water heater.
Look for wall/ceiling discolorations and bulges. If you see a discolored spot on a wall or ceiling, that may indicate that you have water where it shouldn’t be. A leak inside a wall or ceiling may also cause bulges in the paint or wallpaper, even if there aren’t any noticeable stains.Be alert to drips, moisture, odors, and mold. Check your faucets to make sure none of them are dripping. Drips could also be occurring somewhere you cannot see, such as under a cabinet or behind a wall, so when your home is quiet, take a few minutes to walk around and listen. Look for moisture where it shouldn’t be, and inspect for mold and mildew spots. There also may be a musty odor in places where water is present.
What To Do If You Suspect A Water Leak
There’s a fairly simple way to confirm if you have a leak, using your meter. First, make sure the water is off throughout the house and that no appliances that use water are running. Next, go to the meter, likely on the side of your house or near the street, and write down the numbers. Wait about an hour and check the numbers again. If they’ve changed, you have a leak. It’s time for professional help.
Restoration Services
Whether you’ve suffered an immediate, obvious leak or something more insidious that went unnoticed over time, there’s a good chance you’ll need restoration services as well as repair. Even small leaks can cause a great deal of destruction, damaging and weakening walls, ceilings, floors, foundations, and more. The damage does not even have to be visible to be severe. On top of that, wet materials where water accumulated becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and mold and could even attract pests to your home. It’s a dangerous hazard to your health and safety if not properly cleaned up.
When You Need A Pro, Call American Veterans Restoration
There’s no better choice for restoration services following a water leak than the dedicated experts at American Veterans Restoration. We do it all, we do it affordably, and we do it best. Your satisfaction is fully guaranteed, and your estimate is always free. Contact us today, and let’s get started.
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