Water Leak Detection and Repair
On average, the United States estimates that the average person uses 80-100 gallons of water per day. For a household of four, that can equal anywhere from 320-400 gallons of water a day. And thanks to modern technology and advancements in plumbing, all of this water we use for our homes travels through miles of plumbing to help us take care of our daily business. Whether that is running the dishwasher, taking a shower, or doing the laundry, we pretty much always have water on demand. However, that water comes at a financial cost, and when your house is facing a water leak, that bill can get very expensive. Not only will you be paying for the extra water that is escaping from your pipes, but you can also be faced with bigger issues such as stains on walls and ceilings, cracking foundation, mold, and mildew growth, and weakening of a home’s structure.
Don’t let a water leak cause your family financial turmoil. Instead, rely on the dependable plumbers at Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Drain. Our staff is knowledgeable and equipped to deal with any leaks that come your way. Whether it is a faucet leak, a leaking pipe, or a slab leak, our team is available to you 24/7 for all of your plumbing needs.
Signs of a Water Leak
Sometimes, knowing that you have a water leak is as simple as noticing the constant drip, drip, drip of a faucet. Other times, a leak can remain unnoticed until the issue grows. Wondering if your home is suffering from a water leak? Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Unusually High Water Bills: While there may be slight variations in your water bill from month to month, there shouldn’t be any huge spikes. However, if you notice your water bill jumping in price, this is a strong indication that you have a leak.
- You Hear Water Constantly Running: If you are hearing water running but no one is washing their hands, there are no faucets on, and your water-based appliances are not in use, this is another signal that there is a water leak. If you are not sure it is a water leak, you can always check your water meter. This device will give you a reading of your home’s water usage. Note the number and then come back in a few hours. (During this time, you will get a better reading if you do not use any water). If the water meter is showing an increase in water usage, you know water is being wasted somewhere within your home.
- There are water stains on your ceiling or walls: Water stains on ceilings or walls generally indicate that there is growing moisture behind them. This needs to be taken care of. If you leave the water alone long enough, it can harm the structure of your home, leading to cracks or even partial collapsing (in extreme cases).
- Your floors or carpets are wet: If you notice your carpet or flooring is wet or completely soaked, and no one in your household has spilled anything, this is a strong sign of a sewage leak. This is a serious situation as sewage leaks can quickly lead to not only foul smells, but mold or mildew as well, which can be harmful to children, older individuals, and those who have weak immune systems or respiratory issues.
- There are wet patches or overgrowths in your yard: This is an indication that your home is suffering from an outdoor pipe leak. While the quick grass growth can seem like a blessing, in reality, the excess water can lead to hazardous bacteria making a home in your yard, creating a hazardous environment for your family and pets.
Types of Water Leaks
Here are the different types of water leaks that could be affecting your home:
Water Supply Line Leaks
Leaks don’t always happen in the home. One of the hardest leaks to detect is water supply leaks, which happen between the meter and the home. The pipes for your water supply are hard to get to as they are buried at least 3ft.
Water supply line leaks often cause soggy spots in your yard or an overgrowth of grass. This can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria or pests, such as mosquitos. When it comes to getting it repaired, only a qualified plumber, like the ones at Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Drain, should be working on a water supply line. (Also, it is important to contact your water supply company, as the responsibility for repairs may lie with them and not the homeowner.)
Faucet Leaks
Faucet leaks are very common, but the type of repair they need depends on the type of faucet that you have. Our plumbers will be able to handle any type of faucet leak, whether it is a compression valve, ball type, cartridge faucet, or even ceramic discs.
Thinking you can put off the faucet leak because it won’t cost you that much? Think again. A leaking faucet can raise your water usage by 104 gallons a year if the water drips only one time per minute. Most of the time though, these drips happen every few seconds, raising the percentage of wasted water and your water bill. The professional plumbers at Roto-Rooter can help change this and make sure you don’t pay for water that you are not using!
Leaking Toilets
A leaking toilet is one of the most common sources of a water leak in a home. Oftentimes, these leaks are hard to notice as they are silent and out of view. However, there are a few tell-tale signs:
- Your water bill is slowly rising
- Your toilets flushing pressure is weakening
- Your toilet is making a hissing or gurgling sound when it is not in use
Our professional plumbers know exactly what to look for when we are faced with a leaking toilet. Whether we need to perform a dye test to check the flapper valve or inspect other key parts such as the refill valve and the float, we will ensure that your toilet is working properly and not wasting valuable water.
Slab Leaks
Slab leaks refer to a leak that has sprung in the copper water lines running underneath the concrete foundation of a home. These leaks are caused by corrosion of the copper pipes but they can also be caused by other issues such as:
- Poor installation of the pipes: Inexperienced plumbers can cause accidental damage to the copper pipes during installation. This can lead to future problems such as not functioning properly or not be able to handle the demands of the home once the home has been completely built.
- Foundation Shifts: All homes need time to settle in their foundation. During this process, the ground around your copper pipes can shift as well, leading to added pressure. While copper pipes are usually hardy, this pressure can prove to be too much and result in a leak.
- Abrasion: If the pipes were placed too close to concrete, gravel, or other pipes, the natural expanding and contracting of the pipes will be hindered. This can lead to increased pressure and breaking of the pipes as they rub against whatever is next to it, resulting in leaks or even major cracks within your pipes.
Only qualified plumbers should deal with a slab leak since they are underneath your house and often require handling other nearby pipes. Trying to DIY your slab leak fix can lead to additional issues that make the repair costs grow to astronomical heights. Protect your home and your piping and invest in a team of professionals.
Pinhole Leaks
Pinhole leaks refer to leaks that are located within the piping around your home. Pinhole leaks are caused by corrosion of the pipe and while they are usually small, they lead to larger problems if not taken care of.
24/7 Water Leak Detection and Repair
Water leaks are serious business and can cost your family more than just a high water bill. Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Drain is dedicated to protecting you and your home by offering 24/7 services for all of your plumbing needs. Contact our team today if you have any additional questions or for an estimate on your water leak repair services!