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Plumbing Repairs:
How to Find and Fix a Leaking Water Pipe
Did you know that the average U.S. household has leaks that waste almost 10,000 gallons of water yearly? Approximately one in 10 homes even have leaks wasting at least 90 gallons a day, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. That’s a lot of waste, not only of water but also money. And in Albuquerque, where a 5% water rate hike will occur in August 2022, it could be even more expensive.
The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority board unanimously approved a 5% rate hike Wednesday.Starting in August, typical residential customers will see an estimated $2.49 increase on their monthly water and sewer bills.
https://www.abqjournal.com/2500606/water-authority-approves-rate-hike-budget.html
That’s enough reason never to delay plumbing repairs for leaky water pipes. This guide will teach you how to spot and fix them, so read on.
Tips for Detecting Water Leaks
First, confirm that you have pipe leaks by checking your water meter (be sure no one uses any water at this point). Take note of the reading and recheck the meter after at least two hours. If there’s any change, it means you have plumbing leaks.
Next, check visible or exposed supply pipes, such as those under your kitchen sink. You can test them for leaks by putting a stopper in the sink drain. Then, run a tap; if water seeps from under the sink, it’s likely due to a leak.
Extra tip: Observe the behavior of the water as you drain it after checking your supply pipes. If it forms bubbles and gurgles before draining away slowly, you likely have a blockage in the drain pipe. Deal with drain clogs ASAP to prevent wastewater backups.om fixtures, their pipes may be inaccessible or hidden. In that case, what you can do is listen for sounds of running or dripping water. If you hear these noises while in the bathroom, take that as a sign of a leak.
If you have an unfinished basement, check for signs of pooling under visible supply pipes.
Examine your ceilings and walls as well, and look for water stains. These usually indicate plumbing leaks, but they can also signal roof leaks.
How to Fix Leaky Pipes
If you can’t find the source or location of the pipe leak, hiring an Albuquerque plumber is your best bet. These professionals use advanced technology that helps them identify plumbing leaks.
If you do find a leaking, accessible pipe at home, the first step is to shut off your home’s main water supply. Then, run the taps connected to that supply pipe to drain any remaining water.
After that, wipe dry the leaky spot on the pipe. Next, use a clamp to loosen the pipe fittings.
Wrap some plumber’s tape around the fittings before re-tightening them. That creates a better seal that helps prevent leakage. In addition, it serves as an extra layer of protection against over-tightening.
After re-tightening the fittings, open your main water valve and run a tap to see if the pipe still leaks. If it doesn’t, then you did an excellent job. If it does, it’s time to have that leak checked and fixed by a licensed plumber.
Never Delay Plumbing Repairs for Leaky Pipes
Remember: Leaks can give rise to water damage and molds that, according to the CDC, can cause health issues. And don’t forget that they waste a lot of precious water, making your water bills skyrocket.
That’s why you shouldn’t put off plumbing repairs for leaking plumbing pipes.
Unsure if you can fix leaky pipes on your own or don’t have the time to do so? If that’s the case, our team here at Academy Plumbing can help! So, call us now, and we’ll have all those leaky pipes fixed ASAP.
