Posts Tagged ‘high water bills’

Leaks found at Molalla Middle School – 5 Million Gallons Leaked

Tuesday, May 17th, 2011

American Leak Detection of Oregon recently found leaks at a Molalla Middle school that had been leaking water for over 9 months. The district’s budget committee looked back and found high water bills starting about 9 months ago, which has cost the school around $15,000 so far. The main concern right now is the safety of the children and staff, and an engineer is going to inspect to make sure the 5 million gallons of water has not caused a sinkhole or compromised the structural integrity of the buildings.

“You could hear the water running through the walls, ” said Theresa Knox, budget committee member.

See the full article here: http://www.katu.com/news/local/121298584.html?video=YHI&t=a

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Fixing Leaks Saves Water and Money

Friday, May 6th, 2011

The arrival of spring brings an increase in outdoor activity — including yard chores, deck and outdoor furniture clean up, and swimming pool prep — that can drive water usage and utility bills up. While this increased seasonal cost is just another reality of home ownership, costs driven by water leaks should not be. American Leak Detection says that from both an environmental and an economic point of view, homeowners should identify and address water leaks quickly.

“Many homeowners are quick to react to the usual source of water leaks, like faulty toilets and drippy faucets,” says Bill Palmer, CEO and president of American Leak Detection. “But other, less obvious leaks can also send substantial amounts of water, and cash, down the drain. Spring is a great time to check for these hidden sources of leaks, to help conserve both a precious resource and your hard-earned cash in this difficult economy.”

For example, if the indicator on your water Meter Test is moving, when you know there has been no water usage inside the house, American Leak Detection suggests checking the hose bibs around your yard to make certain that the flow of water to the hose is shutting off completely when the hose is not in use. If these connections are tight, and the meter’s indicator is still moving, you may have a pressurized leak underground between the meter and your home. Or, you could have a slab leak or a leak in your irrigation system. Check your home’s foundation for cracks, uneven growth of vegetation or earth shifts, and walk your yard looking for spongy or even wet areas. If your inspection doesn’t turn up an obvious leak source, you’ll need to call in a leak specialist who can employ electronic leak detection technology to locate, and fix, the leak at its source.

“Some water leaks show up when another utility bill shows a sudden increase,” says Palmer. “For example, an extraordinarily high gas bill, when there is no smell of gas in the home, could indicate a problem with your water heater! You may have a faulty thermostat, or, if your water heater seems to be running constantly, you may have a water leak in the hot water line from the heater. Warm spots on your floor (your dog or cat may have taken to sleeping there) can also be an indication of a pressurized leak under your home.”

Homeowners with swimming Swimming Pool Leak Detections face additional possible sources of water leaks that can be very costly over the course of a swimming season. Pool owners should use the spring season to prep their pool for summer fun by clearing the pool of leaves and other debris and checking the filtration system. Then, once the pool owner has filled the pool up to the middle of the skimmer opening and tested the water for safety, he or she should be alert for signs of water leakage. If the water level in the pool drops by one-eighth inch or more in a 24-hour period, if algae growth begins soon after a chemical treatment or if the pool’s automatic filler is running continuously, chances are the pool is leaking. Check for loose or missing tiles, cracks in the pool deck, cracks and gaps in the pool shell, and standing water, soggy spots or uneven grass growth around the pool.

“Staying on top of water leaks in your home, pool or spa can help you stay inside your budget,” said Palmer. “And, you’ll be helping to conserve a precious, and finite, natural resource.”

The specially-trained experts from American Leak Detection employ quality equipment to detect hidden pipe leaks behind walls and underground before they require major home repairs. These professionals provide the most non-invasive leak detection available, using proprietary methods and technology. Since 1974, American Leak Detection has found more than five million leaks in residential and commercial buildings, saving customers millions of dollars, and supporting the company’s ongoing commitment to resource protection.

For more information about American Leak Detection, The Original Leak Specialists, please visit http://www.americanleakdetection.com.

About American Leak Detection
Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Palm Springs, California, ALD is the world leader in the accurate, non-destructive detection of hidden water, sewer and other types of leaks. For the past nine years, ALD has been ranked #1 in Entrepreneur® magazine’s “Maintenance Products and Services” franchise sector. In February 2008, The Wall Street Journal named ALD to its list of the top 25 high-performing franchises. ALD is dedicated to water conservation, resource protection and the providing of eco-friendly services.

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Northbridge begins aggressive water conservation program

Monday, May 2nd, 2011

As of May 1, 2011 restrictive water use guidelines have gone into effect for the town of Northbridge, according to The Northbridge Times.

These water restrictions prohibit the use of water outside from 9 AM – 5 PM from May 1st – September 30th and were issued by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection through the Water Management Act Permit.

Lawn sprinklers are now no longer permitted to be operated between 9AM – 5 PM.  Please remember that lawn sprinkler systems often develop water leaks.  These water leaks can be costly, and in some cases, cause damage.

If you suspect that you have a water leak, in your sprinkler system or in another part of your house, please contact American Leak Detection today at 978.465.3778 so we can pinpoint all of your water, gas and sewer leaks.

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Water conservation

Monday, April 18th, 2011

Lancaster, MA is joining in on the water conservation movement.

The Department of Public Works has issued a statement requesting residents to conserve water by installing water saving fixtures throughout their home to reduce their water consumption.

While they hit on a lot of important points, such as reducing the amount of water used to water the lawn, they do not touch on the option of having a water leak audit done by a company like American Leak Detection.

Water leak audits are a thorough inspection of an entire house, from the sidewalk out front, all the way to the back fence, including a complete inspection done inside a home in addition to checking the pool or hot tub for leaks.

Many times, cracks in pipes causing water leaks can be very small.  While small in size on a pipe, a substantial amount of water can flow through the crack, increasing consumption rates and water bills.

American Leak Detection is proud to offer our new Membership Program for homeowners.  The Membership Program has four different levels, ranging from Basic to Premier.  The advantages of being a Member of this program is front-of-the-line service for leak detection work, in addition to an annual water leak detection audit, if a Standard, Priority or Premier membership package is purchased.

The assurance that everything will be checked for leaks means that anything that happens underground, behind walls or in foundations over the winter, when cracking pipes are most likely, will be quickly spotted by our trained technicians, saving you time, money and increased water bills if the leaks go undetected.

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Undetected Water Leaks Result in Money Washed Down the Drain

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

Communities across the country are feeling the effects of the economic downturn, and the greater Atlanta area is certainly not immune to the pressures caused by the downturn. While curtailing on dining out and other simple luxuries may seem like a practical way to cut costs, businesses and residents may be surprised to find out that large amounts of money may be running or trickling through their water meters.
One in every 318 homes or buildings has a leak. What does this mean for members of the north Georgia area? At the very least, it means many residents are unknowingly washing hundreds of dollars down the drain.

“Local residents looking to save money should first focus on saving water,” said Alan King, Operations Manager at American Leak Detection (ALD), who notes that a leaking toilet may use up to 90,000 gallons of water in 30 days. By choosing not to address water leaks, residents are wasting water, which is a precious natural resource, and are setting themselves up for lofty water bills and potentially costly home repairs. With water rates and sewer usage charges increasing, reducing water consumption and eliminating water loss through leaks may yield immediate measurable results. Detecting and repairing leaks requires an investment, but the return on investment is significant and the payback time is typically only a few months, while the savings continue for years!

Local residents looking to save money should first focus on saving water

Mr. King states the most common leaks found in the home include leaking toilet flappers, dripping faucets and other leaking valves. “Each of these leaks is easily detected and corrected,” said King. The EPA estimates that by fixing these types of commonplace leaks, homeowners can save more than 10 percent on their water bills.

Saving water is like any other habit – the more you do it, the more natural it becomes. Homeowners may want to check all faucets for drips and install flow restrictors or other conservation devices on all spigots. By installing a flow restrictor on a showerhead alone, local residents can cut their water use from roughly five to ten gallons per minute to as low as three gallons per minute, representing a remarkable savings for both the environment and the wallet – all for a small investment in the initial conservation device.

American Leak Detection encourages homeowners and businesses to contact a professional if they suspect that a water leak may be occurring in their service line or plumbing system. The longer the leak goes untreated the more damage it can potentially do to the home’s structure, which can eventually result in the need for costly repairs.

ALD utilizes specially-trained experts and quality equipment to detect leaks before they require major home repairs. The company uses its own proprietary methods and technology to ensure the most non-invasive leak detection possible. Residential and commercial leak detection services are available. For information contact: American Leak Detection at 770.436.5722 or visit www.AmericanLeakDetection.com/GA-Atlanta

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Leak Detection Crash Course Could Save Valley Homeowners Hundreds of Dollars

Monday, June 29th, 2009

American Leak Detection is helping homeowners keep their water bills down, and conserve water through education. Join us at the La Quinta Resort on July 9th, 2009.

American Leak Detection is offering valley homeowners an informative ‘How-to’ class on water conservation that can save them hundreds of dollars. The ‘Detect if Your Home is Leaking’ course is taking place on Thursday, July 9th at 11 a.m. at La Quinta Resort’s La Quinta University, 49-499 Eisenhower Drive in La Quinta.
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“This is something entirely new that we’re offering to desert residents, and we’re excited to be launching the course,” says Jim Carter, Senior Director of Corporate Field Services for American Leak Detection. “Valley residents need to step up conservation efforts, and we will be discussing this and many other topics, while offering helpful tips that can save the average homeowner time and money in the long run.”


Water Conservation Class at La Quinta Resort on July 9th, 2009.

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KTLA Features American Leak Detection’s Expertise During Fix-A-Leak Week

Thursday, March 19th, 2009

Check out American Leak Detection on KTLA Morning News.

The deteriorating economy has caused homeowners to make saving money a priority, but what many residents do not realize is a major, unnecessary expense is lurking right under their roofs. Water leaks, caused by faulty faucets, shower valves and toilets, waste thousands of gallons of water. These problems can result in hundreds of dollars washed down the drain.

To encourage property owners to investigate possible water leakage in their homes, American Leak Detection is commemorating “Fix-A-Leak Week.” Sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the national awareness campaign takes place from March 16th to 20th, and is designed to check household plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks.

According to American Leak Detection, the most common leaks found in the home include leaking toilet flappers, dripping faucets and other leaking valves. The EPA estimates that by fixing these types of commonplace leaks, homeowners can save more than 10 percent on their water bills. American Leak Detection recommends residents perform simple maintenance tests on all their household plumbing fixtures including faucets, showerheads, and toilets, as well as outdoor irrigation systems and hose spigots.

For people ready to tackle the job, American Leak Detection offers the following checklist provided by the EPA:

  • Check the meter – Examine the water meter before and after a two-hour period during which no water was used; if the meter does not read exactly the same, a leak is likely present.
  • Replace valves – Bad faucet or shower valves may not allow water to be completely shut off.
  • Replace faulty toilet flappers and float assemblies - An inexpensive rubber part, the toilet flapper, is often to blame for toilet leaks, as mineral build-up can cause the part to decay. A float not adjusted correctly or not working properly can cause water to overfill the tank and rise above the over-flow tube. Fortunately, replacing the flapper is an easy, inexpensive do-it-yourself project.
  • Examine irrigation systems – Each spring, check the irrigation system to make sure it was not damaged by frost or freezing. Older valves have a tendency to wear out and allow water to run through the valve and to the open side or the sprinkler side.
  • Tighten spigots – Check for leaks where garden hoses connect to the spigot; if it leaks while running, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer, and use pipe tape and a wrench to secure the bond.
  • Check pool/spa - An Auto Fill running constantly could indicate a leak. Perform a Bucket Test to confirm water loss.  Normal evaporation is usually 1/8″ to 1/4″ with auto fill off.
  • Take notice – A warm spot on the floor or high gas bills could indicate a hot water leak under the home.
  • Listen - Hearing water noise in walls at night with no water running could also indicate a leak under the home.

American Leak Detection utilizes specially trained experts and quality equipment to detect leaks before they require major home repairs. The company implements its own proprietary methods and technology to ensure the most non-invasive leak detection possible. Commercial and residential service is available.

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