Hidden water leaks are especially troublesome for the Dayton, OH homeowner because they often don’t know they have a problem until there is significant damage to the property. If you suspect something is wrong with your plumbing, call us for help.
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Signs You Have a Hidden Water Leak
If you have an unseen water leak, it’s a big problem for your Dayton home because leaking water can wreak havoc with your landscaping, foundation, and the internals of the house. Here are a few signs to watch for that point to an unseen water leak.
- Foundation Cracks – If you live in an older home, a few foundation cracks are common; however, if you have an excess number of cracks, it could be that a water leak is causing damage to the foundation.
- Increase in Water Bills – People usually know what to expect with their monthly water bill, but if you’ve used the same amount of water, and see a sudden increase in your statement, it could be a hidden leak.
- Water Damage – If you notice stains on the floor, ceiling, or walls of your house, or you have warped walls or floors, a water leak may be to blame.
- Mold & Mildew Buildup – If mold and mildew begin growing in unlikely places in the house, it’s a sign of excess moisture.
Call the team at Ed Rike Plumbing, Heating & Air for professional water leak detection and repair if you experience any of the problems mentioned above.
Causes of a Water Line Leak
Of all of the plumbing issues that can affect Dayton, OH homeowners, a water line leak is one of the worst. When a leak occurs above the ground, it can quickly damage your property. An underground leak isn’t as apparent, and damage occurs without the owner’s knowledge. Of all the reasons you may experience a water line leak, here are the most common.
- Poor Installation – If the contractor did a poor job installing the water line, it’s apt to fail prematurely.
- Freezing & Thawing – Those who live in areas that experience frequent ground freezing and thawing are in danger of having water lines fail. When lines sit less than four feet underground, the freezing and thawing create a rupture eventually.
- Shifting Soil – When people lay water lines, it’s assumed the soil will remain the same for the foreseeable future; however, this isn’t always the case—soil shifts for various reasons, leading to water line ruptures.
- Damage from Pests – You may not realize it, but rodents and other pests can wreak havoc on a water line.
- Wear & Tear – Every water line and pipe in a plumbing system will fail eventually regardless of the materials used in construction.
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How to Find a Hidden Water Leak.
The most efficient way to find hidden water leaks is to hire a water leak detection company like Ed Rike Plumbing, Heating & Air. However, here are a few things you can try to find a stubborn leak.
- Check the water meter – Turn off all of the water in your home and monitor the water meter to see if it registers usage.
- Monitor your water bill – If your water bill is consistent from month to month and suddenly spikes for no apparent reason, it could be an unseen leak.
- Use Food Coloring – Toilets make up about 30% of your home’s water usage, so make sure they’re running correctly. Add a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank and wait about 10 minutes. If the color shows up in the bowl, you have a leak.