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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 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 s 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.