When it comes to counting costs, faulty plumbing doesn’t just affect your monthly water bills!
Taking environmental damage into consideration for example, something like a leaky faucet in one’s household accounts for up to 10,000 gallons of water wasted each year. This number increases depending on the number of faucets in each home, and even the number of drips per minute, which in turn, adds more to your bill than necessary.
So, safe to say, this is a problem, especially one that you shouldn’t have to handle if you’re living under lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
But how do you figure out what’s the problem, along with a leaky faucet? Here are some signs you should be on the lookout for.
Compare Your Monthly Water Usage
Look at your average water usage for the past six months. then review them against the coldest months of the year. The standard number for a typically family of four should not be more than 12,000 gallons each month. But if your bills show greater usage, your home may likely have some hidden leaks.
Check the Water Meter
Record the number stated on your water meter the night before, and the morning after. Then turn off all pipes and faucets in your house, as well as any appliance that uses water for about two hours then wait. Check the meter again to see if there’s any change in the reading. A blip indicates that your plumbing may be leaky.
Give All the Plumbing in Your Home a Tweak
Inspect all the faucet gaskets and pipe fittings in the house. Look for moisture around the base of the faucets, any areas where the water generally drips. If you feel any slime, or see any discoloration on the fixtures, this indicates a presence of moisture or water that you haven’t been paying attention to.
Test the Toilets
Ever notice that your toilet’s base is wet? It might be a hidden leak.
To detect it, drop a few drops of food coloring in the toilet’s tank, don’t flush! Wait a few hours, and then check the water in the bowl. Is it tinted? Also check the surroundings. See any discoloration? If so, you’ll need to call in a professional.
Keep an Eye Out for Warning Signs
Foundation cracks, random puddles in the backyard, stains on the walls, floors, or ceilings—any strange markings and cracks may indicate a broken pipe, or a leak that’s getting bigger. Even if you don’t think it’s plumbing-related, it doesn’t hurt to have the damage checked.
See Something You Don’t Like?
Don’t waste time!
For those located in Aledo or Fort Worth, Pro Serve Plumbers is on the case! We are one of the leading residential plumbing services in Texas.
For affordable plumbing services, call us today at 817-244-0614.