**Remove KW: leak detection las Vegas **
Every home needs water for its occupants to drink, clean and cook. But this necessary utility can also lead to tragedy if water leaks go undetected, leading to potential damage to your home and higher water bills.
Leaks in a home’s plumbing are more common than most people think. And these leaks often go undetected, occurring behind walls, underground or in other hard-to-see places throughout the home. The longer a leak goes undetected, the more damage it can cause, which also can lead to larger repair expenses. If you need help with leak detection in Las Vegas, consult with a professional plumber.
Homeowners should be on the lookout for signs of a water leak to ensure it is found and repaired as quickly as possible. Here are some ways to stay alert to potential plumbing leaks in your home.
Pay attention to the water bill
For most households, the monthly water bill stays pretty much the same over time. Except for some unusual activities, such as filling a pool or watering newly planted sod, water bills should be predictable, give or take a few dollars. If you receive a water bill that is unusually high and you have not engaged in any unusual activities that require water, chances are you could have a water leak.
Monitor your water meter
You can check your suspicions if you believe you have a plumbing leak in your home. A simple way to do this is to monitor your home’s water meter, which typically is located near the street under a hard plastic cover that looks like a small manhole-type top or on the side of the house near the main water supply line.
If you want to use your water meter to confirm a leak, follow these steps:
- Shut off all water faucets in the house, along with all appliances that use water like the dishwasher.
- Write down the numbers you see on the water meter. Check the water meter an hour later to see if the numbers changed. If so, chances are you have a leak.
- To determine if the water leak is inside your home, turn off the main water supply’s shut-off valve to stop water from entering the main line inside.
- Write down the numbers you see on the water meter. Check the water meter again in an hour to see if the numbers changed. If they don’t, your leak is somewhere inside your home. If they do, your leak likely is in your main water line coming into the home.
Look for areas of greener grass
Your lawn can offer you clues about potential water leaks. If you find an area where the grass is much greener or grows much faster than the rest of the yard, this could be evidence of a leaking water line buried underground. Depending on how big the leak is, you may have mushy areas in your yard that squish when you walk on them or unexplained puddles of water in your yard.
Check for water around appliances and fixtures
A water leak inside your home may leave small puddles inside cabinets under the sink in the kitchen or bathroom. There could also be unexplained puddles around toilets, showers and tubs, or under a water heater, dishwasher or washing machine. If puddles are found, make sure to contact a plumber immediately and turn off the water supply to the appliance or fixture near the puddle. A frequently running toilet may be evidence of a leak and can be fixed by replacing the flapper.