Water leaks can be a major problem in your home. They can cause water damage, mold growth, and even structural damage. If you suspect that you have a water leak, it’s important to find and fix it as soon as possible.
There are a few signs that you may have a water leak in your home. These include:
- Wet spots on your walls or floors: If you see wet spots on your walls or floors, it’s a sign that water is leaking somewhere.
- Higher than normal water bills: If your water bill is suddenly higher than normal, it could be a sign that you have a leak.
- Musty smell: If you smell a musty smell in your home, it could be a sign of mold growth, which is often caused by water leaks.
- Low water pressure: If you notice that your water pressure is suddenly lower than normal, it could be a sign that a water line is clogged or damaged.
If you suspect that you have a water leak, there are a few things you can do to find it.
- Check your water meter: The first thing you should do is check your water meter. If the meter is moving even though you’re not using any water, it’s a sign that you have a leak.
- Listen for dripping: If you listen carefully, you may be able to hear a dripping sound coming from a water line. This could be a sign of a leak.
- Use a moisture meter: A moisture meter can be used to detect moisture behind walls or under floors. This can help you find hidden leaks.
- Use a thermal camera: A thermal camera can be used to detect heat signatures from leaks. This can be helpful for finding leaks in hard-to-reach places.
In the event you have a leak that does not surface or you just can’t find American Water has the tools to help. We have a special unit set up with equipment to find these leaks, including listening devices that magnify the sounds in the ground and can help filter out the sounds of spraying water so they can be pinpointed.
Another method we may try is adding a combination of air and helium to the lines. Many times the air alone will increase the sound of the leak making it easier to find and if that still doesn’t work we add some helium into the mix. Helium is so light it comes straight up out of the ground where a leak is occurring. We use special equipment that detects the helium to pinpoint the exact location of the leak.
Once you’ve found a water leak, it’s important to fix it as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the leak, there are a few different ways to fix it.
- Minor leaks: Minor leaks can often be fixed with a patch or a new washer.
- Major leaks: Major leaks may require more extensive repairs, such as replacing a water line or a pipe.
The best way to prevent water leaks is to be proactive. Here are a few tips:
- Inspect your water lines regularly: Inspect your water lines regularly for signs of damage or leaks.
- Check your water meter regularly: Check your water meter regularly to make sure that it’s not moving when you’re not using any water.
- Fix any leaks as soon as possible: If you find a leak, fix it as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Water leaks can be a major problem, but they can be prevented and fixed. By being proactive and inspecting your water lines regularly, you can help to prevent water leaks from happening in your home. Regardless of the issue, American Water Specialties is happy to help with all aspects of leak detection to leak repair.