Preventing Water Leaks Around the Home

While water leaks can add up to higher utility bills over time, they can also cause extensive damage to your home and furnishings. Undetected water leaks can cause mold to grow inside the walls of your home, causing health problems.
Here are some areas to check for water leaks around the home.

1. Washing Machine Hoses

One of the most damaging water leaks that can occur in the home is a burst washing machine hose. If the washing machine is on the main floor or upstairs the damage can be even more extensive. Check the hose connections to make sure they are tight. If the hoses are over 5 years old, or show signs of cracking or buckling, they should be replaced. Consider installing braided stainless steel hoses, which can withstand more pressure than rubber hoses.

2. Leaking Toilets

Leaking toilets are often the most overlooked leaks in the home because they are the least likely to be noticed. To test for leaks add a few drops of food coloring to a gallon of water and pour it into the toilet tank. Without flushing the toilet if the coloring appears in the bowl there is a leak.

3. Water Heater Leaks

Water heaters that a beyond their life expectancy (typically 8-10 years) are most susceptible to leaks. Rust and corrosion inside the tank will eventually cause water to start leaking. To keep your water heater working reliably and reduce the likelihood of corrosion, flush sediment from the hot water tank annually.

4. Outside Faucets

That slow, constant drip can add up to hundreds of wasted gallons of water every year. In addition, water dripping against the house can cause decay and create an inviting environment for pests like termites and ants.

Have plumbing questions? Call ABC Southwest Plumbing & Air Conditioning. We’re here to help.