We all know that the drought in California has been extreme this last year. We all want to do our part to save water. From cutting down our shower times to limiting the days we water our lawn. As we have come together to make a difference in the way our state uses water, we are seeing some progress in the amount of water we waste. That being said there is still room for improvement. Did you know that leaky pipes could account for 13% of your water bill?! That is a good portion of water that is simply wasted, and perhaps without you even knowing it!
Over time, as a home ages, leaky pipes can occur for a variety of reasons. Sometimes depending on the material used, the changes in temperature, the house settling, earthquakes… things can happen to cause leaky pipes. The homeowner may be aware of some leaky pipes where there are visible signs of leaky pipes, excess water, water damage, the sound of rushing water etc…hopefully when this occurs the homeowner is diligent about fixing these leaky pipes. However, sometimes leaky pipes can go undetected, especially when they occur in an area that is out of the way, for example, slab leaks or leaky pipes under the foundation or in an attic or crawl space.
Leaky pipes should be attended to right away! Repairing leaks is important on so many levels! Leaky pipes lead to water waste, higher utility bills, and damage to the home! If allowed to go unchecked, leaks could cause a lot of damage from wood rot, mold and mildew damage, etc. Which creates an unsafe and hazardous environment. Leaky pipes will hit you where it hurts when it comes to repairs; your wallet and your stress tolerance. If leaky pipes are neglected and allowed to cause other damage to the home you are looking at not only fixing the leaks but also drywall, flooring and more. The costs can escalate quickly!
As a homeowner, you have a responsibility to repair leaky pipes right away. If you suspect leaky pipes and see no visible signs of leaky pipes, call your plumber and have them perform a thorough plumbing inspection. This can save you so much money on your monthly utility bills and help prevent a major plumbing disaster, not to mention it helps you do your part to save water!
