Places to Check If You Have a Water Leak | SERVPRO® of Western Dutchess County

10/14/2019 (Permalink)

Some water leaks aren't obvious, make yourself a checklist of what to check and how often to avoid water damage situations in your Poughkeepsie home.

Water leaks do not always manifest themselves in dramatic spurts of water or puddles on the floor of your Poughkeepsie home. In fact, many people only find out there is a leak somewhere in their home once they notice a rise in their water bill.

A water leak can account for up to 10,000 wasted gallons of water a year, so you'll want to take care of them quickly. However, it can be difficult to determine where the leak is located ifthere are no obvious signs aside from an increase in your meter usage.

Checking for Water Leaks Around the Home

When trying to determine where your leak is located, checking the most obvious spots first will help you narrow your possibilities down by process of elimination. Here are some of the most common spots for water leaks:

1. The Bathroom

Between the sink, toilet and shower, there are plenty of options for water to leak in the bathroom. Check the seal around the base of the toilet, ensure there are no drips from the faucet and check the pipes under the sink to rule the bathrooms out.

2. Around the Hot Water Heater

Because it is normal for hot water heaters to build up condensation through regular operation, leaks can be difficult to detect at first. Listen closely for a leaking sound when the unit is off and watch moisture levels carefully to determine if this is the culprit.

3. In the Basement

Most basements contain most of your home’s plumbing and water piping, so they are an important spot to check if you suspect a leak. Check the pipes thoroughly where they seal for any accumulated moisture.

4. Beneath and Behind Appliances

Appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines utilize a lot of water and are susceptible to leaks from damaged pipes. Check under and behind appliances regularly for moisture buildup.

5. Under the Kitchen Sink

Kitchen sinks, especially those equipped with garbage disposals, are notorious for leaking water into the cabinet underneath. There are many seals and connectors that can wear down with age, causing an unseen leak to hike your water bill up.

Life happens, if you’ve discovered water damage in your home, that’s what we’re here for! We’ve got the experts in the industry and can restore water damage to just about any surface— contact us today for a quick response!