Regardless if you own or rent your home, there’s a good chance that you’ll eventually find yourself lying awake at night listening to water drips, wondering where it’s coming from and how bad the damage may be. You’ve perhaps woken to a flooded bathroom or kitchen or maybe even a hole in the ceiling due to a burst pipe.
Although unfortunate, none of these situations are surprising, nor are they uncommon. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) postulates that at least one in four building insurance claims is for leaky or burst pipes. Dealing with home water damage can be costly, not only for insurance companies but also for you. The water metre readings will dramatically rise and the cost of professional service to fix the problem can also add up.
While leaks are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of damage. Here are three simple ways you can detect leak damage:
1 – Check your water metre
The first thing you need to do when checking for leaks is to find your water metre. From there, check the leak indicator and see if it is moving. This depends on the brand of your metre, but the indicator should be a small triangular dial (or a small silver wheel) that rotates during water flow. If the dial is moving, you may be dealing with a leak.
2 – Examine your water tank or boiler
After you’ve confirmed that you’re indeed dealing with water leakage, check the valves responsible for taking water in and out of your water tank or boiler. You should be able to see a leak quickly but if there isn’t any water escaping, look for signs of a leak by checking the floor for any marks. A hissing sound may also be present.
3 – Check the toilet and showerheads
If your water tank or boiler is intact, check the toilet and showerheads. Toilets are constantly used, so it isn’t uncommon for it to suddenly begin leaking. A leaky toilet isn’t a cause for much worry, but letting it run will add up on your utility costs. To avoid any charges, try to see if you might be able to fix it yourself; changing a washer out, for instance, is easy and can be done without the help of a plumber.
Much like toilets, showers are also used daily. Due to constant usage, the parts wear down and you’ll likely detect leaks. Low pressure or a clogged showerhead may be a sign of a leak, so make sure to check your shower to see if the leak is coming from there.
Conclusion
Once you find a leak, the first thing you need to do is identify if the damage is serious. Will it worsen quickly and cause considerable damage? Is it limited to a particular appliance, such as the toilet or shower? Or does it apply to your entire plumbing system? A small issue can be easy to resolve on your own, but if the damage is significant, call your plumber right away.
If your boiler has been damaged, hiring a temporary boiler service in London may be the best solution for you. London Climate Hire understands that hot water and heating are essential to your home, which is why we provide our customers with cost-effective and rapid responses! Reach out to us now for more information!