The winter holidays should be a time of joy and celebration with your loved ones. A leak in your plumbing system, however, can put a dent in your plans. Let’s look at some leak detection tips you can use before you depart on your upcoming holiday journey.
Inspect Appliances and Sinks
Before you head out on your holiday trip, take a close look at plumbing fixtures like the appliances and sinks in your home. Specifically, inspect them for signs of leaks, such as moisture, water stains, and corrosion. Additionally, look behind and under the fridge, under and around the sides of the dishwasher, and inside and behind the washing machine.
Test the Toilets
Test the toilets for silent leaks. Drop a few drops of food coloring in the tanks. Any color that appears in the bowl without flushing indicates that the toilet has a leak that needs prompt repair.
Check the Water Heater
Do not forget about your water heater. Make sure it does not have puddles of water around or under it, rust stains, or corrosion around the pressure valve or at its base. If you see standing water, drips, or other signs of a leak, call us to repair it immediately.
Disconnect the Hose
Before you leave, disconnect your garden hose. Water inside the hose can freeze and cause water to back up into the outdoor spigot.
Tighten the spigot if needed to prevent water drips. Use a frost-proof or insulated outdoor faucet cover to protect it from freezing while you are away.
Cover Exposed Pipes
If the weather forecast calls for freezing temperatures during your absence, insulate exposed pipes, especially those on the outside of your house, in the crawlspace or basement, and in the attic. Use foam tape or pipe sleeves to keep them warm.
Look for signs of leaks before you insulate them, however. Condensation buildup on them or water pooling beneath them is evidence of a leak that could get worse while you are away.
Review Your Water Bill
Take a look at the water bill for your home for the last month. Compare it to water bills from recent months. A sudden spike in water use or cost could hint at a leak somewhere in the plumbing system.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
A higher-than-usual water bill is also grounds for hiring one of our plumbers to inspect your plumbing system. A yearly inspection actually helps your home’s plumbing last longer and can prevent costly and damaging leaks. Schedule this inspection before the holiday season arrives to ensure you have more peace of mind and can enjoy your upcoming travels and holiday break with your loved ones.
These suggestions help you find and resolve plumbing leaks in your home. Contact R Buck Heating for leak detection in Pueblo, CO.