How To Prevent Water Leaks In The House - An Insightful Guide!

By Author: Zac Mealmaker
Total Articles: 98
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A damaged plumbing line is a dangerous and expensive problem for every homeowner. Even one leaky pipe can cause severe damage to the walls. It can cause moulds to grow which in the long run will lead to structural instability. Today, we are going to discuss how to spot and troubleshoot leaks in the popes so that.
 
How to Spot Water Leaks In the House?
Most homeowners have no idea about how to spot water leak. As a result, they are not aware when the leak happens. They become conscious only when the things go out of hand and the leak becomes apparent. If you are one of those homeowners, do not fret, because we are going to make it easier for you to spot the signs of water leak in the house.
 

Pay Attention to the Water Bill: Every month you need to pay the water bill. By now you must be aware about the tentative amount that you have to pay. If you suddenly find that there is an increase in the water bill although there is no increase in your consumption, you should consider this as a red flag. You will get higher water bills only when there is more consumption ...
... of water, or there is a leak in the pipe. Chances of your water meter being jacked is less. But there is no harm in getting the meter checked as well.

Check Your Lawn for Greener Grass: If one portion of the lawn has greener and flourishing grass the rest of the lawn, it means that there is a leak in one of the pipe line running through the lawn. And if the leak is a large one, it can cause puddles to form on those areas. So, look out of muddy spots in the lawn especially when it has not rained.

Inspect Your Water Fixtures and Appliances: When you suspect a leak in the house, the first thing you should check is the sink and the pipeline in your kitchen. If you notice any wet spots there is high chance of a leak. Additionally, you should look for water puddles near water fixtures so that you can know whether there is a water leak or not. Any out of the place water stain or spot should be a matter of concern.

 
How Do You Deal with A Water Leak?
Once you are sure that there is a leak in the house, you should move all the items and belongings that are near the source of the leak. Next, you should call the plumber and ask him to look into the matter. If the leaking is severe, you should place a bucket or a container underneath so as to prevent the water from spilling around, at least till the time the expert arrives. Here are few things that you can do:
 

Refrain from using any electronic devices or appliances near the leak. There is ahigh chance of getting electrocuted if you do so.
You should immediately dry off any items that has become damp due to the leak. If you don’t do so, then moulds and mildews will get the opportunity to make their presence felt. These two tend to thrive in areas where moisture is predominant.
If the leak is severe, you should turn off the shutoff valve in your meter box without further delay. This will cut off the water supply in your house and will prevent further damage.

 
Note: You should contact the plumber as soon as you notice leaking water pipes in the house. Do not try DIY measures. Since you are not a trained professional, there is a high chance that you will end up damaging the pipes further. Why take the risk?
 
How to Prevent Future Water Leaks in the House?
There are several steps that should be implemented in order to prevent future water leaks in the house. This includes:
 

Regular Leak Inspections: The safest and the best way to prevent leaking water pipes in the near future, you should opt for leak inspections at frequent intervals. Hire a trained expert for the job. Let the professional inspect every nook and corner of your house in a detailed manner. They will let you know whether there is any existing leak in the house. In fact, they will detect the source of the leak and will identify the cause behind the leak. And yes, they will recommend the suitable solution for the same.

Insulating the Water Pipes: During winters, the water inside the pipes tend to freeze which causes the pipes to expand and develop cracks. As a result, bursting of water pipes is very common during this season. To prevent things from going out of hand. You should insulate the water pipes every alternate day so that water does not get the time to freeze. This way the pipes will not develop cracks or will not start to leak.

Using Water Softeners on A Regular Basis: One of the major reasons behind leaking water pipes is the hard water. Using a water softener will remove the extra minerals from the water and thereby prevent cracks from appearing in the pipes.

 
About the Author: This contribution has been made by Zac Mealmaker who has written a number of articles on Leaking Water Pipes and provides fruitful information