Water Leaks | Plumber Fort Worth
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average household wastes more than 10,000 gallons of water each year due to water leaks. Saving money on utility costs is as simple as contacting a Benjamin Franklin Plumbing plumber in Fort Worth for leak repair.
Identifying a Water Leak
Hidden leaks can add up to significant water loss and high water bills. If you suspect a water leak, the following instructions may be of assistance.
1. Check the Water Meter
Read the water meter and write down the reading, wait about an hour without using water, and read it again. If the reading has changed, it likely indicates a water leak.
If a leak is present, turn off the water. If a shut off valve is near the home’s foundation, cut it off. Check for the availability of water in the home to ensure the valves function properly. If the meter indicates water use, the leak will be in the water supply pipe between the meter and your home. Otherwise, the leak is within the home’s structure. Contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth for leak repair.
2. Check Toilets and Faucets
Leaky faucets and running toilets are common sources of indoor water leaks. Toilets can be checked for leaks by putting a few drops of food coloring into the tank, if the color ends up in the bowl the toilet flap is allowing water to leak by. If you have a faucet or toilet leak in need of repair, contact a plumber in Fort Worth.
3. Check the Home’s Water Supply Line
Leaks can occur in the water supply line between the water main and the meter, or between the meter and your home. The presence of water in the meter box or consistently wet soil indicates a leak is present. Contact the water authority if you suspect a supply line leak. Leaks between the meter box and your home are likely to be your responsibility.
Additional Signs of a Leak
An elevated water bill is typically the first sign of a hidden water leak. Additional signs include:
- Discolored water
- Unusually low water pressure
- Discolored flooring or walls
- Warm spots on concrete floors
- A musty odor
- The presence of mold and mildew
- The sound of running water
- Wet or damp areas
Water Damage
Water leaks are a major cause of damage to homes and personal belongings. Water leaks can originate from a number of sources – an overflowing sink or tub, a burst pipe, a leaking water heater, tub or shower, leaking drains and other.
It is easy to ignore the plumbing system, and important to realize property damage caused by leaks, and frozen pipes is the second most common cause of property loss. Water causes account for $9 to $10 billion in annual homeowner property losses, with the amount continuing to increase.
If your home has a water leak, turn off the water to the leaking appliance or the home’s water supply. Locate the shut off valve, and the shut off mechanism on the water meter if you haven’t already. Contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth for plumbing repair, and mop up as much water as possible, as long as you’re not at risk of electrical shock. Finally, place fans and a dehumidifier to assist in drying the affected area.
A Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth utilizes the latest technology for leak detection and repair of water leaks. Call a Benjamin Franklin Plumbing plumber in Fort Worth for reliable, professional plumbing repair, installation, and maintenance. Benjamin Franklin provides professional, licensed plumbers with the expertise to provide plumbing services that meet or exceed the industry standards. We serve Fort Worth, Arlington, and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.