Left unchecked, water leaks can be a house’s worst enemy.

“Water is one of the most destructive things to a house,” says David Tamny, president of the American Society of Home Inspectors. “It can account for so many things going wrong in a structure.”

Water damage is the second most-common cause of damage in homes, following fires, says Scott Spencer, world-wide appraisal and loss-prevention manager for insurer Chubb Group.

Leaks that aren’t obvious often produce the biggest issues. “If your bathtub or shower is leaking, you’re going to recognize that quickly and take steps to fix it. The hidden problems, people don’t know to fix,” Mr. Tamny says. As a result, they tend to worsen over time.

Still, if you know what to look for, it’s not difficult to identify water leaks before they flood into bigger — and more expensive — headaches. In addition to watching for spikes in your water bill, which could indicate leaky fixtures, look out for the problems in the following places.

1 The Roof

Your roof can last many years, but it’s important to regularly check on its condition, says Mr. Spencer, “especially after a traumatic event like a hailstorm or a windstorm.” Identifying a roof leak quickly can limit the amount of repair work needed and limit the spread of mold.

Also, you should make a visit to the attic at least once a year, says David Lupberger, home-improvement expert for ServiceMagic.com, which connects consumers with home-improvement specialists. “Make sure that it doesn’t smell musty or moldy,” he says.

Most roofing contractors will offer free roof inspections, but remember, their objective is to find something wrong so they can fix it, Mr. Spencer says.

Another option is to hire a home inspector, Mr. Tamny says. The cost of home-inspection services vary, but if you just want the roof looked at, ask for a partial inspection, which will help keep the expense down.

Skylights also can be vulnerable to leaks because of their location and the challenges they present in installation, according to Chubb. Inside the house, check for any staining in the skylight area, which could be caused by a build-up of condensation.

2 The Basement

The best way to prevent problems in the basement starts outside, Mr. Lupberger says.

“Every spring and fall you should be cleaning your gutters and downspouts, and you want to make sure that water is not puddling next to your foundation,” he says. “Then, walk around the house and make sure there aren’t low points next to the foundation. Ninety percent of water in the basement is due to improper drainage.”

Crawlspaces also should be checked on occasion for signs of mold. “Liquid water is only one part of the equation,” Mr. Tamny says. Humidity can also be destructive, and lead to mold. For that reason, be mindful when setting a humidifier. “Humidity in the house should never be above 50%. The colder it gets, the lower the humidity should be,” he says.

3 Bathroom and Kitchen

Because of the frequency with which people use their bathrooms, it’s likely that problems will be spotted early. Still, there are preventive steps that can be taken so problems don’t have a chance to develop.

The shower and bath area is a vulnerable place for water leaks, making it important to proactively replace the caulk around fixtures every couple of years, Mr. Spencer says.

Also, replace broken toilet flappers, the rubber part in the tank that seals the drain, and address leaky fixtures, says Jimmy Carter, senior director of corporate field services for American Leak Detection. If you hear water running when the bathroom isn’t being used, you could have a problem.

In the bathroom and the kitchen, regularly feel the pipes under sinks to make sure there aren’t any leaks, Mr. Spencer says.

As the weather turns cooler, one of the “fast and furious” water leaks that homeowners encounter occurs when a pipe freezes and bursts, he says. To prevent that, never turn the heat below 55 degrees, he says. On particularly cold days, leave the bottom vanity open so there are no extremely cold temperatures near the pipes.

“Be particularly aware of those water fixtures on exterior walls of the home,” Mr. Spencer says, since those walls will be colder.

4 Appliances

Check washing-machine hoses to make sure they’re not loose fitting or aged. You may see a bulge in the washer’s rubber hose when it’s starting to wear, says Mr. Carter. Hoses become brittle and often require replacing every five to seven years, according to Chubb.

Also keep an eye on your water heater, which Mr. Spencer says is a “classic source of damage from water loss.” Age matters; water heaters typically have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years, he says.

Check the silver plate mounted on the water heater, which includes manufacturer information, Mr. Spencer adds. Look for evidence of leaks around the pipes and at the base of the water heater, as well as rust on any of the parts, according to Chubb.

But, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and other corporate, scientific and government sponsors around the world have designated September 18, 2010, as “World Water Monitoring Day” to focus attention on the importance of preserving one of our most critical resources – water – in both large and small ways.

Many of us take water for granted.  After all, water covers about two-thirds of the earth’s surface, right?  What’s the big deal?  Well, according to the USGS, out of all that water, there’s only about one percent that’s usable by humans!  And, we can’t make or produce new water.  We have a finite supply to work with, so preserving that supply is something we all need to take very seriously.

Because most of the one percent of the world’s water that is available to us is contained in lakes and rivers, World Water Monitoring Day encourages people to take an active role in monitoring the water quality in their neighborhood streams, rivers, lakes and ponds.  Schools, service organizations and concerned individuals strap on their waders or slip into their bathing suits and take water samples and other measurements to help determine the health of the world’s waterways.  You can get involved here.

But, preservation of that “useful” water is also key to protecting our water resources. Here are some simple “checks and changes” from American Leak Detection you can implement in your own home to eliminate common water wasters:

Faucets

• Check for dripping faucets or shower valves. If a drip fills an 8-ounce glass in 15 minutes, the faucet will waste about 180 gallons of water per month, or 2,160 gallons a year.  Simple fix: Try replacing the cartridge, washer or valve seat.
• Change to a low-flow faucet to save an average of 3.5 gallons per minute.

Toilets

• Check for leaks. Drop a teaspoon of food coloring in the toilet tank.  If the color appears in the bowl in about 15 minutes, replace the flapper valve.
• Change to a low-flow toilet to save nearly 3.5 gallons per flush. To save even more, place an empty plastic water bottle filled with pebbles in the toilet tank as a simple water displacement device.

And, here are some handy tools you’ll find on our site to detect those “sneaky leaks” that can silently waste gallons of water each month.

Pool/Spa

• Check for constantly running auto-fill, increased use of chemicals and a high evaporation rate. All could indicate a pool leak. (Note: Normal evaporation is usually 1/8″ to 1/4″ with auto-fill off.)
• Tool: The Bucket Test and The Pool Leak Calculator – to determine if you have a leak and the rate of water loss, respectively, prior to contacting a professional like American Leak Detection.

Hidden Leaks

• Check for silent leaks. Often not thought of are hidden leaks the size of a pinhead in a service line underground or behind a wall, which can waste enough water annually to fill 12,000 bathtubs to the overflow mark. Monitor your water bill and usage monthly and annually.
• Tool: The Meter Test for homes – to determine if you may have a leak prior to calling an expert such as American Leak Detection.

Each action that you take may seem like just a drop in the bucket of worldwide conservation, but if everyone takes responsibility for detecting and stopping water-wasting leaks in their own homes, the savings will really create a big splash! Share our tips with your friends to begin to make a difference today.

While many pool owners suspect their pool is leaking, they fail to take corrective action because they incorrectly believe their water loss is minimal.

If you suspect a swimming pool is leaking, visit our swimming pool water loss calculator. Input the length and width of your pool, and the number of inches of water the pool is losing each day. With that information, it will calculate how many gallons of water your swimming pool is actually leaking.

For example, if a standard size pool (18’ by 27’) is losing 2 inches of water a day, the pool loss calculator will show that the number of gallons of water lost each day is 605!

With that type of water loss, a call to an Original Leak Specialist is a must!

Locating and repairing leaks will help save money on water and chemicals as well as reduce the potential for significant damage to property.

Fortunately, national April home sales were up 20% over last year. With real estate activity finally picking up, the last thing a seller, buyer, real estate agent, or lender wants is a delay in the sales process as a result of a leaking swimming pool. With a little bit of planning, however, delays can be avoided.

Pools Do Leak

First, all concerned parties should be aware that pools leak. Indeed, 1 in 20 swimming pools have a leak right now. While older properties may suffer from corroded plumbing and a compromised structure, newer properties may suffer from unintended construction errors or changes in the natural water table.

Home Inspectors Do Not Perform a Full Pool Leak Detection

Second, all parties should recognize that home inspectors typically do not perform a full pool leak detection. Rather, “they perform a visual inspection of the pool structure, surroundings, and pump. If all looks well, they will check off the pool as ‘in working order’”, says Debbie Sander, a real estate agent for Windermere.

To Avoid Delays, Be Pro-Active

Third, all parties should be pro-active by considering the following signs and symptoms of a pool leak:

• There is algae forming too soon after a chemical treatment.
• There are loose or falling tiles or pool deck cracks.
• The pool/spa has settled into the ground or cracks and gaps appear in the pool shell or concrete deck.
• There is standing water, mushy spots, or uneven grass growth around the pool/spa area.
• The automatic filler is continually releasing water.

If any of these conditions are present, then retain a professional leak detection specialist early in the sales process. A leak detection specialist can perform a much more detailed inspection of the pool, its equipment and specifications. Pressure checks can be performed. Any pool leak issues can then be identified and resolved and a timely closing ensured.

Learn more about leak symptoms.

I have a large (man-made) pond in my back yard. While I believe it’s leaking, I don’t know for sure. Can it be tested?

Dear Claudette,

Absolutely. Modern leak detection technology has made it possible to test large water-holding structures such as ponds and fountains for leaks.
Depending on the amount of the water loss, the size of the circulating system, and the condition of the pond interior, an experienced and well-equipped leak detection company (like American Leak Detection) can give you a summary and estimate of the work involved and thereafter locate leaks in the pond.

Home Safety Council research shows that drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional injury-related death across all age groups, yet a recent study commissioned by the national, nonprofit organization found that only six percent of respondents have taken any action to prevent drowning incidents at home. Of those polled, fewer than 10 percent have put in a four-sided fence that goes all around the pool or installed a gate that closes and locks by itself – two of the key water safety tips recommended by the Home Safety Council.

As the temperatures rise and families begin to spend their time in and around the pool, the Home Safety Council is working to make parents and caregivers aware of water-related dangers and encouraging them to take an active role in protecting their children from those risks.

“No one should swim alone. Close, active adult supervision is particularly vital when children are around water,” said Meri-K Appy, president of the Home Safety Council. “Drowning can occur in just seconds without noise or sign of struggle, so adults need to stay within arm’s reach and remain entirely focused on children when they are around any body of water.”

In addition to drowning, pools and spas also introduce the risk of injuries from falls, poisoning, scalds, entrapment and electric shock. The Home Safety Council’s new, online destination, MySafeHome.org (link to http://www.mysafehome.org/), lets users explore all the areas of a virtual home to understand where potential dangers may be found in their own homes. MySafeHome.org includes an interactive pool and spa area that illustrates the most common injury risks found around backyard pools and spas and demonstrates the safety devices and practices needed to reduce the risk of injury.

Water Safety Tips:

The Home Safety Council offers the following water safety tips for activity in and around pools, spas, ponds and irrigation ditches, bathtubs and buckets.

• Install four-sided fencing with self-locking and self-closing gates around pools and spas. Fencing should completely isolate the pool from the home and be at least five feet high.
• Always keep gates closed and latched. Never prop a gate open or disable the lock.
• Always practice constant adult supervision around any body of water, including pools and spas. Never leave your child alone or in the care of another child.
• When hosting a pool party, assign specific adults to keep an eye on the pool at all times.
• Enroll non-swimmers in swimming lessons taught by a qualified instructor.
• Remember that regardless of age or skill level, no one is “drown proof.” Children should always be supervised by an adult while they are swimming.
• Never swim alone. Even adults should swim with a buddy.
• Learn and practice basic lifesaving techniques, including First Aid and CPR. Insist that anyone who cares for your children learn CPR.
• Keep poolside rescue equipment close to the pool area at all times, and bring a cordless telephone outside while using the pool.
• Post emergency numbers and CPR instructions near the pool area.
• Entrapment underwater can be deadly. Teach children that drains, grates and filters are not toys. Never stick fingers or toes in these openings and stay away from suction devices.
• Install anti-entrapment drain covers and replace drain covers immediately if they are broken or damaged.
• Always remove toys from the pool area when not in use.
• Establish pool safety rules and make sure children are familiar with them.
• Keep spas and hot tubs covered and locked when not in use.
• Completely remove pool and spa covers prior to use.
• Stay out of the pool during severe weather and thunderstorms, especially if lightning is forecast or present.
• If a child is missing, check the pool area first.

To learn more about water safety, please visit: www.mysafehome.org.

See what the Farmer’s Almanac has to say about the winter of 2010:

According to the 2010 Farmers’ Almanac, this winter will see more days of shivery conditions: a winter during which temperatures will average below normal for about three-quarters of the nation.

A large area of numbingly cold temperatures will predominate from roughly east of the Continental Divide to west of the Appalachians (see map). The coldest temperatures will be over the northern Great Lakes and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. But acting almost like the bread of a sandwich, to this swath of unseasonable cold will be two regions with temperatures that will average closer to normal—theWest Coast and the East Coast.

This video from CBS explains issues with broken pipes and freezing plumbing.

If you suspect you have a leak contact The Original Leak Specialists.

There are four ways that your plumbing will develop a leak under a slab:

1. Corrosion from soil chemicals
2. Abrasion from long term vibration
3. Pressure from human error or shifting ground
4. Construction defect

Slab leaks from corrosion:

Underground pipes make contact with soil on the exterior of the pipe and water on the inside. Water balance and a charged ground could induce electrolysis in metallic pipes, causing corrosion from the inside or outside of the pipe and eventually causing holes in the pipe.

Hot water lines will more likely corrode from the outside in due to the reaction of the heat and the contents of the soil surrounding the pipe.

Cold water lines generally deteriorate from the inside out due to electrolysis being created on the inside of the pipe.

Electric lines running beneath the slab can also energize metallic pipes and induce electrolysis resulting in corroded pipes.

Older homes with copper pipe usually suffer from chronic plumbing failures due to corrosion. Sometimes the situation calls for a complete repiping of the plumbing. Less invasive repairs can be made with an in-place pipe coating depending on the state of the pipes and the construction layout.

Slab leaks from abrasion:

As water travels through plumbing, vibrations, expansion and contracting may cause the pipe to rub against concrete, gravel, rebar, or other pipes depending on the construction. Over time, the constant vibration and abrasion of the pipe will grate the pipe until it springs a leak.

If pipes are insulated and constructed with stabilizing supports, the vibration can be minimized, prolonging the life of the pipes while protecting if from being exposed to excessive wear.

Additionally, bad joints and lack of coupling adhesion can lead to abrasion at the joints, leading to faster and higher volume leaks.

Slab leaks from pressure:

Underground pipes may experience high levels of pressure from earthquakes, or poor construction. Pipes can be crushed or creased under this type of pressure, depending on the area of pressure. Creased pipes may cause a restriction in flow and low pressure. Additionally, a crease, bend or crimp in the pipe will allow uneven wear and the water will eventually create a hole at the problem areas. Crushed pipes can cause massive leaks over time that wash the soil from under the foundation, putting your property at risk of greater damage.

Pipes need to be spaced and insulated properly in order to avoid being crushed or creased. Many times a crushed or creased pipe can be repaired without a full repipe of the home.

Construction Defect:

During construction, faulty workmanship may not only require rework, but also may result in damage to construction work performed by others.

10: Water table

The level of the water table in the ground can affect your pool’s construction and how it will respond to changing climatic conditions. If the ground water table is high, your pool can be subject to “floating” in the ground. Keeping the water level in the pool stable helps combat the pool from floating up.

In most areas, pools will have a hydrostatic valve installed to help proper equalization of the water table with the pool water level.

If a leak occurs and the ground water table is low, then a leak will be quickly absorbed by the surrounding ground, and possibly wash away the dirt from around the leakage point causing voids around the pool structure.

9: pH balance

The pH balance of the water affects the growth of algae in the pool, as well as impacts surface corrosion and chlorine effectiveness. It is important to have your pool’s pH checked and balanced on a weekly basis.

Learn more about pool pH at the Pool Wizard.

8: Winterizing

If you are living in a climate that has freezing temperatures as a normal part of your season, you will want to winterize your pool. Winterizing prepares your pool to survive the winter and remain clean and damage-free until the next pool season.

Click here to learn about winterizing your pool. If you don’t want to winterize the pool yourself, ask a professional pool service company to take care of it for you.

7: Pump prime

If your pump starts pulling air into the system, it is likely the pump will lose the power, or prime, to move water. The power to move water is “prime.” If the pump is working, but not moving the water, then the water is not getting filtered properly. If the water is not moving, it can cause the pump to overheat and possibly burn up.

Learn how to “prime” your pump if you suspect it has lost the power to move water.

6: Proper filtration

If your pump is primed, the water will be flowing through your filter. Make sure you maintain and clean your filter regularly. The amount of maintenance depends on the type of filter you have. Backwashing your filter cleans the filter of debris and improves the flow through the filter. To learn more about proper filtration check out the sites listed below:

• Pool Filter Information
• What is the best filter?

5: Energy consumption from heating water

Heating your pool efficiently is impacted by several environmental factors. Seasonal climate, amount of shade over the pool, temperature differences between day and night, as well as the size of your pool affects your pool’s heating efficiency and its ability to reach your desired temperature.

Learn more about heating your swimming pool from the links below:

• Energy Saving Tips
• Types of Pool Heaters

4: Cracking or chipping of pool deck

A cracked or chipped pool deck poses danger to pool owners and guests, as well as aesthetic problems.

Besides a potential tripping hazard, cracks in the deck indicate, more importantly, there are more serious issues, such as ground shifting or a sink hole.

3: Leak in the pool’s plumbing

If not taken care of in a timely manner, leaks in the pool’s plumbing can cause tremendous damage to your property as well as rack up a huge water bill. Also, you will waste more in chemicals to keep the pH balanced since the chemical is leaking out with the wasted water and being diluted with new water being pumped into the pool.

Have a professional detect your pool’s leak without destruction.

2: Leak in the pool’s structure

A leak in the pool’s structure will make it difficult to maintain the pool’s pH balance and can cost you more in chemicals as well as increased water usage.

Have a professional detect your pool’s leak without destruction.

1: Swimmers’ safety

Make sure you and your family are safe when using your pool. Drowning in pools is a very real threat that can be prevented. Never swim alone, and make sure your main drain is compliant to the Virginia Graeme Baker Act.

It is pretty easy to understand the way a running fixture makes noise on pipes. Water flows at a rapid rate through the line and causes the pipe to vibrate as the water leaves the outlet. Also, friction created by the water flow against the inside of the pipe sends vibrations that can be detected by the human ear.

The sound created by a leak in the pipe itself is a little more complex to understand. Essentially, the humming sound created by a leak in the pipe is driven by a pressure difference between the water inside the pipe and the ambient atmospheric pressure around the pipe.

When a leak develops in a pipe, a pressure loss occurs in the pipe at the leak site as the pressure in the pipe tries to equalize with the pressure outside the pipe. This pressure loss creates pressure waves that travel in both directions down the pipe and away from the leak. We call this ‘leak energy.’

In most cases, the human ear alone cannot hear this leak energy. It takes electronic leak detection tools that amplify selected sounds. If you can hear the leak energy without equipment, there is a good chance the leak is close by or has developed in size enough to be quite loud.

If the humming sound you hear is not from flow or a leak in the pipe, a contact point between the pipe and a vibrating appliance or machine such as a refrigerator or air conditioning unit could also cause it.

In any of the cases mentioned above, you can save some time and money by taking a look around your home for some obvious clues. Double-check all of your interior faucets and toilets. Check outside hose bibs and valves, too. If you don’t find anything, you may need to call a leak detection specialist to perform further investigation with specialized electronic equipment and professional experience.