Hi, Cat here. Errr…Mrs. Quik. In this blog I’ll give you some tips on how to know if you have a plumbing leak in your home.
The signs that we have a plumbing leak might be so subtle that we don’t them notice until it becomes a major problem.
Here are some things you can check for on a regular basis.
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Check any visible pipes you have in your home. This might be pipes that run behind your washing machine, pipes located in a basement or the pipes leading to your water heater.
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Check at the base of your water heater. While you’re checking the pipes leading to your water heater, take a look at the base to see if you have any water puddling. If you do, the majority of the time your water heater will need to be replaced. The lining is probably worn away. On your next water heater, it’s not a bad idea to have a pan installed underneath as an extra precaution to protect the floor and surrounding items.
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Check inside any cabinets under sinks – kitchen and bathrooms. Make sure you remove any stuff you have that will prevent you from getting a good look. Evidence that you have a leak might be in the form of water drops, rust or even buckling pipes. Also look for water stains, damp smells like mold and any puddling. If you have swollen particle board under countertops or loose or damaged floor in front of a cabinet, most likely you have a leak.
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Check your shower head. This is not something most of us probably notice, as after we take a shower we don’t pay any attention until the next one. But it’s a good idea to check several hours after a shower to see if the shower head is leaking.
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Check around toilets. Look for water seeping at the base of the toilet or any damaged flooring.
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Check your washing machine hose. When was the last time you looked behind your washing machine. Rubber washing machine hoses are the #1 insurance claim for water damage. Stainless steel hoses are inexpensive, an easy DIY project for a homeowner, and prevent water damage.
If you think you have a water leak in your home, get a plumber to check it out. Water damage can be expensive and if left alone, can get extensive.
As always, give us a call or shoot us an email if you have any questions we can help you out with.
Have a great week!
