As your Atascadero plumbers, it’s easy for us to say, “Call us if you have a leak.” But as a homeowner or renter, you may not have experienced plumbing issues before. So, aside from the obvious gushers, how do you know if you have a leak? Here are some tips that can help you prevent damage and save water and money.
Big Bills
Whoa! When did water get so expensive? If your water bill has changed significantly, that’s an indication of higher use. If nobody’s been lingering in the shower or spoiling the lawn with extra irrigation, it’s time to find out where the water’s going. If you’re not ready to play detective, let your plumber help you track down the cause.
Bad Smells or Colors
Odors or discoloration are often indicators of mold and mildew. Mold and mildew are indicators of wetness. And wetness is bad. Leaking pipes can happen where you can see them, such as under a sink, and where you can’t, such as in a wall or under the house. If you see strange colors, or smell something musty or pungent, don’t ignore it. Do your best to identify the source, so you can point your Atascadero plumber in the right direction.
Strange Cracks
It’s a good idea to regularly give your home’s foundation a look. If you see cracks, they could be due to a leak. The difference between a small foundation repair and a big one is a lot of money and inconvenience. Water from leaks can soak surrounding soil, causing heaving or sinking, which weaken your foundation and the structural components that rely on it.
Odd Sounds
If it sounds like water is running when you know it’s not, that means it’s time to call your plumber. First, confirm it’s not a normal operating cycle of your irrigation, ice maker, appliances, or water heater, which should all shut off when complete. Other water sounds, whether a drip, a hiss, or a trickle, need to be found and addressed. In Atascadero, water is precious. A quick call to the plumber will help you avoid damage and reduce waste.
Unusual Dampness
Any extra water or wetness should be a red flag. Regularly check under sinks, around tubs and toilets, near water-using appliances, and under your home for unexpected moisture. It’s also important to regularly inspect your lawn and yard for spots that are unusually green or even yellow from too much water, or soft and squishy. A crack or leak in an underground supply line can lead to big bills and big problems.
Water leaks are easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. The day you receive or pay your water bill is a great time to take a look and a listen to make sure you’re not headed for trouble. If you spot anything you’re unsure of in, around, or under your Atascadero home, give Griffin Plumbing a call at (805) 751-7206 or contact us online for an inspection. Our plumbing pros are happy to help.
