Local American Leak Detection business offers insight on how leaks in the home can wreak havoc on the season
The holiday season can be one of the most joyful times of the year with family, friends and loved ones visiting for the festivities. However, the American Leak Detection business wants local residents to know that leaks in the home could dampen the fun.
“With extra guests visiting during this time of year, leaks tend to make things even more hectic. The best thing homeowners can do is to be prepared by knowing the signs and symptoms of a leak ahead of time,” said Jimmy Carter, American Leak Detection’s Sr. Director of Field Services. “Whatever the source, water leaks are a serious matter because of the structural damage they can do to your home, which is the last thing you want to deal with during the holidays. At American Leak Detection, we want to help local residents be as proactive as possible when it comes to leaks — before a leak makes a mess of their holiday plans or home.”
According to Carter, you may have a plumbing leak if:
- You can hear the continuous sound of water (like a toilet running) when nothing is turned on.
- Your water bill escalates over a period of weeks or months. (Compare your bills month to month.)
- Your walls or floors have wet, spongy, moist or discolored areas when nothing has been spilled.
- You can smell foul odors coming from floors or walls near drains or sewers.
- Your building foundation cracks, vegetation grows unevenly, or earth shifts for no apparent reason.
- You find warm spots on your floor, particularly on concrete slab floors.
In addition to these, Carter encourages local homeowners to check for hidden leaks by turning off faucets, all water-using appliances, and not flushing toilets for one hour.
“Record the water meter reading. If the flow indicator (triangular or diamond-shaped rotating button) is spinning or the meter reading has changed while no water is being used, a leaking pipe may exist. Also, it’s important to know where the main water shut-off valve is located in your home and check it frequently to make sure it is operational,” Carter said.
Besides this helpful advice, Carter said that area residents can visit the company’s Web site to use its online water meter test as a preventative measure. By following the list of easy steps, which takes only 30 minutes, people can detect whether they have a leak in their pressurized water system, or if they have a running toilet that should be serviced. The test can be found by visiting www.AmericanLeakDetection.com.
