Prevent water loss in a Home

How to Prevent Water Loss in a Home

Water loss can be a real burden for Greenwood, Indiana homeowners. Aside from unnecessarily high water bills, Water loss, if left unattended can lead to damage, not only to the Appliance or fixture, the structure of the home, and unsafe mold and mildew conditions. Here are some tips to help prevent water loss in your home.

The Kitchen

• DISHWASHER – Check for leaks under the sink where the hose connects to the water supply. Look for evidence of leaks, such as discolored, warped, or soft flooring materials, or water damage to nearby cabinets.
• REFRIGERATOR – If your refrigerator has an ice-maker, make sure the hose connections securely attached to the water supply line. Also, a wet spot on the floor may be a sign of a crimped ice-maker line about to burst.
• SINK – Replace deteriorated caulk around sinks and check the pipes under the sink for leaks. a slow-draining pipe may indicate a partially blocked drain that needs cleaning.

The Bathroom

• SHOWERS AND BATHTUBS – Remove and replace deteriorated or cracked caulk and grout. Water can leak through these damaged sealants, causing stains or soft areas around nearby walls and floors.
• SINKS – Check under the sink for leaks from water supply lines or drainpipes.
• TOILETS – Clogs can result from too much toilet paper or objects such as hanging bowl deodorants.

Basement, Laundry or Utility Room

• WASHING MACHINE – Check hoses regularly for bulging, cracking, fraying, and leaks around hose ends. Replace the hose if a problem is found or every 4 years as part of a proactive maintenance program. To help make sure the hose doesn’t kink, leave at least 4 inches – or 11 centimeters – between the water connection and the back of the washing machine.
• WATER HEATER – Most water heaters last 8 to 12 years. Wet spots on the floor or a rusted water heater tank may signal a leak. Water heaters should be installed on the lowest level of the home, next to a floor drain or inside a drain pan piped to the floor drain.
• SUMP PUMP – Battery-operated back-up sump pumps can help protect against power failure of the primary pump. Test the sump pump before the start of each wet season. Sump pumps are not intended to last more than 10 years and must have some components replaced or serviced within those 10 years. For sump pump repair service in Indianapolis give us a call.

Stopping Leaks at the Source

Check for hidden leaks. First, turn off faucets and all water-using appliances, and do not flush toilets for one hour. Then, record the water meter reading. If the flow indicator (triangular or diamond-shaped rotating button) is spinning or the meter reading has changed while no water is being used, a leaking pipe may exist.

Should you have any questions please feel free to call us at (317) 859-9999