Places to Check If You Have A Water Leak In Your Saugerties Home

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Kingston/New Paltz will take care of the clean up if you suspect a water leak!

Water leaks don't always manifest themselves in dramatic spurts of water, crashing waves or 2 feet-deep puddles on the
floor. In fact, many people only find out there is a leak somewhere in their home once they notice a rise in their water bill or start to smell something off that could be mold growth.

Because leaks can account for up to 10,000 wasted gallons of water a year , you will want to
take care of them quickly. However, it can be difficult to determine where the leak is located if
there are no obvious signs aside from an increase in your meter usage.

Checking for Water Leaks Around the Home

When trying to determine where your leak is located, checking the most obvious spots first will
help you narrow your possibilities down by process of elimination. Here are some of the most
common spots for water leaks:

1. The Bathroom
Between the sink, toilet and shower, there are plenty of options for water to leak in the
bathroom. Check the seal around the base of the toilet, ensure there are no drips from
the faucet and check the pipes under the sink to rule the bathrooms out. Additionally, feel along the water line under the toilet to see if it's damp or dripping. There could be a problem lurking inside the wall too.

2. Around the Hot Water Heater
Because it is normal for hot water heaters to build up condensation through regular operation, leaks can be difficult to detect at first. Listen closely for a leaking sound when the unit is off and watch moisture levels carefully to determine if this is the culprit. Unfortunately, a lot of our clients find out the hard way in terms of a large puddle or an inch of standing water where the hot water is located. You'll need to enlist a plumber right away to fix the source and SERVPRO will take care of the clean up.

3. In the Basement
Most basements contain the majority of your home’s plumbing and water piping, so they are an
important spot to check if you suspect a leak. Check the pipes thoroughly where they
seal for any accumulated moisture. Frozen pipes usually happen in uninsulated areas or in the wall where outdoor water spigots might be. Keep the basement above 55 degrees and wrap any pipes in under-insulated areas.

4. Beneath and Behind Appliances
Appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines utilize a lot of water and are susceptible to leaks from damaged pipes. Check under and behind appliances regularly for moisture buildup.

5. Under the Kitchen Sink
Kitchen sinks, especially those equipped with garbage disposals, are notorious for leaking water into the cabinet underneath. There are many seals and connectors that can wear down with age, causing an unseen leak to hike your water bill up. Regular maintenance by a professional in those areas is key to reducing the changes of a nasty leak.

If you’ve discovered water damage in your home, that’s what we’re here for! We can take care of the restoration from water damage to many surfaces— call us today for an emergency response.