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Welcome Spring! Time to Check for Water Leaks

Welcome Spring! Time to Check for Water Leaks

This March, we welcome sunnier days and the changing of season! Most importantly, we find and fix any water leaks from the winter season. 

Fix a Leak Week 2024

Water is an amazing resource. It is one of the most valuable and crucial resources on Earth but, without question, it is one of the most destructive. Undetected water leaks cost homeowners every year, and even the smallest of leaks can have the largest of impacts.

Identifying leaks is crucial to protecting your home and water bill! And with the proper tips, preventing and fixing leaks is easier than you think! The EPA recommends the following checklist for tracking down a leak! Here are some of the best-known hiding places to start. Keep your ears open!

Special note: Leak detection is not just for warming or warmer months. Leaks are most likely to occur during winter due to fluctuations in external and internal temperatures. These temperature variations create enormous pipe stress and strain. Therefore, most leaks are occurring during the winter months rather than during a thaw. 

Signs there might be a water leak

  1. Mold

  2. Odd wet spots

  3. Low water pressure

  4. Water bill spikes!

Where should you always look for leaks? 

Bathroom

  • Toilets

  • Faucets

  • Showerheads

  • Under the sink

  • Don’t forget the tub!

Laundry Room

  • Check all of your hook-ups

  • Look for pooling in the washer itself (it could indicate a source leak)

Kitchen

  • Check all appliances, such as the dishwasher and fridge. Many times, there are leaks behind them.

Basement and Garage

  • Sinks

  • Exposed pipes

  • Water Heaters

Outside

  • Spigots 

  • Irrigation controls and sprinkler heads

What to do if you find a leak, you ask? 

  1. Turn off the water line to the leaking location.

  2. Identify the primary source of the leak.

  3. Document any and all damage (date, time, photos, description, etc.).

  4. If necessary, call your insurance company.

  5. Call in the professionals or DIY to fix any damage caused by the leak.

  6. Look for any secondary impacts caused by the leak, such as mold or mildew. 

     

Additional Article Sources

https://home-water-works.org/indoor-use/leaks

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-find-a-water-leak/

https://www.epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week

https://www.cwservicepros.com/leak-detection/water-leak-prevention/

https://www.thespruce.com/what-to-do-about-water-leakage-in-your-wall-4707690

https://www.wintershomeservices.com/blog/2020/february/why-leak-detection-is-crucial-in-the-winter/#:~:text=The%20temperature!,pipes%20to%20crack%20or%20burst.

 

Want to Learn More? 

https://www.epa.gov/watersense/how-we-use-water

https://www.epa.gov/watersense/save-us

https://www.wsscwater.com/leaks

https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/www3/watersense/pubs/fixleak.html

AWWA

NRWA

Water.org

DrinkTap.Org

The Value Of Water.org

What is the EPA