A hidden water leak can steal money from your wallet without you seeing it. Our Plumbing Services can help you spot leaks fast. If you live in Hawthorne, CA, small signs can mean big trouble. Read this guide to learn easy checks you can do at home.
Signs a hidden leak may be costing you money:
- Your water bill is higher than usual. If you did not change how you use water, a big jump in the bill can mean a leak.
- You hear water when all taps are off. A soft drip or sound in the walls or floor may be a leak.
- There are wet spots or stains on walls, floors, or ceilings. These marks may be from slow water leaks.
- You see mold or mildew in a place that is usually dry. Mold grows where water hides.
- The lawn is greener or soggy in one spot. A leak under the ground can feed the grass.
- The water meter keeps running when no water is on. This is a clear sign to check for leaks.
How to check your water meter:
Turn off all taps and water-using appliances. Look at the meter. If the small dial or numbers move, water may be flowing. Note the reading, wait an hour, then check again. If the number changed, you might have a leak.
Listen and look around:
Walk through your home and yard. Listen for drips and running water. Look under sinks and behind toilets. Check the base of hot water heaters. Small puddles, soft floor spots, or peeling paint can point to leaks.
Simple tests to try:
- Food coloring test for toilet leaks: Put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. Do not flush. Wait 15 minutes. If color shows in the bowl, the flapper may be leaking.
- Dye test for drains: Drop color into a sink or tub. Wait and see if it appears where it should not.
- Tighten loose fittings: Check hoses and valves. A loose nut may drip. Use a wrench gently.
Why fix leaks fast:
A small drip can waste gallons each day. Water waste raises bills. It also harms floors, walls, and tools. Wet wood can rot. Mold can harm health. A fast repair saves money and stress.
When to call a pro:
If you find water under concrete, or in walls, call a professional. If the leak is under the house or in the yard near pipes, a pro has the right tools. Mr Harris Plumbing & Handyman offer fast help in Hawthorne, CA. Our team can find hidden leaks with cameras and meters. We fix the pipe and stop the loss.
Costs to expect:
Small leaks are often cheap to fix. Big leaks under concrete or slab may cost more. The cost to fix a leak is usually less than the cost of long term damage. Think of repair as an investment that saves money over time.
Preventive steps to reduce leaks:
- Check pipes and hoses every few months.
- Replace old, cracked hoses on washing machines.
- Insulate pipes to prevent freezing in cold times.
- Turn off water when you go on long trips.
- Keep gutters and downspouts clean so water flows away from the house.
What to tell the plumber:
Tell the plumber where you saw signs. Give the plumber recent water bills if you can. Say when the problem started. This helps the pro find the leak faster.
Do it yourself or call us?
Some leaks can be fixed with new washers, tightened fittings, or a new flapper. But hidden leaks, leaks under slabs, and burst main lines need a pro. If you are not sure, call for an inspection. Mr Harris Plumbing & Handyman can run tests and give a clear price.
How we find hidden leaks:
We use water meters, listening devices, and video cameras. We check both indoor and outdoor piping. We test toilets, sinks, showers, and irrigation systems. We trace the leak to the exact pipe. This keeps repair work small and cheaper.
How timely repair saves money:
Fix a leak now and avoid a rotten floor, a bad wall, or mold. You also avoid higher water bills. Insurance claims can be harder if the leak causes long term damage. Quick action keeps repair size small.
A note on irrigation and yard leaks:
Sprinkler systems may hide leaks under grass. Signs include soggy spots and lush grass in one area. Turn off the irrigation and watch the meter. If the meter moves, the system may leak. Call our team to test and fix sprinkler leaks.
Questions we often get:
Q: Can a small drip really raise my bill?
A: Yes. Even a slow leak can waste many gallons a day. That adds up fast.
Q: Will insurance pay for leak damage?
A: It depends on your policy and how long the leak went on. Keep records and call your agent.
Want more tips?
Read more of our home care posts at mrharrisplumbingandhandyman.com/blogs/ for simple guides on home repair. You may find a post that fits your problem and helps you learn.
Final steps if you find a leak:
- Turn off the main water valve if water floods or if the leak is large.
- Move items away from wet spots.
- Call a plumber for a full check.
- Keep all repair receipts and photos for records.
Call Mr Harris Plumbing & Handyman:
If you think a hidden leak is costing you money, call for a check. We serve Hawthorne, CA and nearby towns. Our Plumbing Services aim to save you time and money with fast, clear work.
Call us today for a free leak check and honest advice; small fixes can save big money and stress.
Stay safe and act fast. A small check today can stop a big cost tomorrow.