Imagine your shock when you open your water bill expecting to see the same number that is there every month, but instead, you see double that amount. Your first rational thought is that there has been some clerical error.
But after a call to the billing department, you are forced to try to understand how your water usage doubled in a single month. You might begin to retrace your days and weeks to figure out if you changed any habits significantly, but in the end, you come up empty. And that is when you genuinely become alarmed. Now, the only explanation for this massive water bill is that there is a water leak hidden somewhere in your home.
You can easily confirm your suspicion by going to your water meter and watching the dial. With no water running in your home, the dial should not be moving at all. If the dial is still spinning or even moving a bit, stopping, and then moving again, your fears have been confirmed. You have a water leak. And it is creating dreaded water damage each minute that it continues to leak.
Now your future can go in one of two directions. You can think for a minute and try to convince yourself that a little bit of water can’t be all that bad. And since you have not seen any puddles, wet spots, or soggy carpet, then the leak really is not an issue to worry about or trouble yourself with today. The other choice, the smart one, is to call (214) 388-4525 immediately to schedule a leak detection appointment. A licensed plumber from Metroplex Leak & Line will arrive at your home ready to locate and repair the leak in just a few hours. But the choice is yours. Call for a repair and a small plumbing bill or forget about it and be ready to write a massive check for plumbing and water damage repairs at some point in the near future.
Why Plumbing Leaks Are So Costly
Small problems are almost always easier and cheaper to fix. And when it comes to plumbing leaks, you should know that a plumbing leak that is ignored is going to cause other damage to your home that is expensive to have fixed. Leaking pipes not only cost you in the form of increased water bills but they are likely to damage:
- Floors, walls, and ceilings
- Structural support beams and joists in your house
- The foundation of your home and the soil that supports the foundation
In addition to the physical damage to your home, you are also likely to suffer from a few disgusting infestations. Some of the worst include:
- Mildew
- Toxic black mold
- Insects
- Spiders
Once all of these critters and issues become apparent, most homeowners are forced to leave their home and find temporary living accommodations until all of the damage and wildlife is removed. But all of these expenses can be avoided by making a quick call to (214) 388-4525 as soon as you suspect a water leak in your home.
Other Early Warning Signs Of A Water Leak
The easiest way to determine if you have a water leak in your home is to visually inspect your water meter regularly. It only takes a few minutes and will answer this critical question for you. All you need to do is turn off all of the water in your home and outside as well. Then water the dial on your water meter for a few minutes. In less time than it takes to drink a cup of coffee, you will have a very reliable answer to your questions about a hidden water leak in your home.
It is also a good idea to regularly inspect your home for any signs of water damage caused by a hidden leak. The most common signs include:
- Bubbled or bulging drywall
- Stains or discoloration on walls, floors, or ceilings
- Most plaster
- Damp trim or molding
- Puddles or damp carpet
- Warm areas on hard surface flooring such as tile, cement or wood
Other indications of a water leak include a drop in water pressure, discolored water, or water with an odd odor. Also, check outdoors for water leaks by looking for moist areas, overly green, or dense areas in the grass or places where the soil has shifted.
Water leaks are not something that can be completely avoided. Over time, pipes and fixtures age, deteriorate and begin to leak. But you can certainly minimize the damage and the cost of repairing a water leak by calling (214) 388-4525 at the first sign of trouble. A Metroplex Leak & Line licensed plumber will quickly locate the water leak and provide you with cost-effective repair options so that your life can return to normal.