Leak Detection in Santa Cruz and Nearby CA Areas

How to Detect and Fix Leaks in Residential and Commercial Buildings

Knowing how to detect and fix leaks in residential and commercial buildings is key to keeping your plumbing system in working order and your structural integrity intact. Leaks in your plumbing system can result in disastrous damage to pipes, walls, ceilings, floors, and fixtures. Resolving them quickly is key to preventing costly repairs and high energy bills.

Steps on Checking & Repairing Water Leaks

1. Monitoring your water bill and pressure are the first steps to detecting leaks. You likely have a leak somewhere if your bill is abnormally high despite regular usage. Checking your water meter can help determine whether you have a leak in your residential or commercial property. If your water pressure is abnormally low, it may indicate a line leak.
2. Check for patches of greener grass or pools of water outside, which can also indicate a leak in one of your lines. Greener grass in patches indicates that water is leaking into the area. In addition, if you notice water pooling around your appliances or fixtures, you may have a leak. Sometimes, these leaks are minor cracks or fractures in the line that can be easily repaired or replaced if addressed early enough to prevent further damage.
3. Water spots on your ceiling likely indicate a leak in your upstairs pipes. If you notice strange noises, smell mildew, or see discoloration, it is recommended that you call a plumbing professional to investigate the problem. Even a slow leak can result in hundreds of gallons of wasted water accumulating in your walls, ceilings, and floors, causing rot and degrading the structural features of your home or commercial building.
4. If you suspect a leak in your bathroom toilets, place a few drops of food coloring into the back tank on the toilet. If the color seeps into the bowl after 15 – 20 minutes without flushing, there is likely a tank leak. This can unnecessarily cause gallons of water to be wasted, which will raise your water bill and eventually result in the need to replace your toilet if it is not promptly repaired. Repairs might include replacing a broken valve or sealing a cracked line. Toilet repairs should be conducted by a plumbing professional to ensure wastewater is contained in the fixture.
5. Loose fixtures can be tightened to repair minor leaks when this is the cause immediately. However, if the leak continues after fixtures have been tightened, it is recommended that you call a plumbing professional right away. Delaying professional attention to leaks that are not repaired with tightening of fixtures leads to mold growth and property damage. Safeguard against these expensive repairs by calling Mr. Rooter Plumbing as soon as you detect a leak on your property.
6. Leaks in your plumbing fixtures or pipes can result in major damage and expensive repairs. Early detection and prompt fixing of the problem prevents mold growth, pipe damage, and broken appliances and preserves structural integrity in your home or commercial building. To recap, the tell-tale signals of leaks in your home or commercial building include:

• Discoloration on walls or ceilings
• Mold growth
• Musty smells
• High water bills
• Patches of greener grass in some places on or near the property
• Low water pressure
• Pooling liquid around fixtures or appliances

Professionals should conduct comprehensive leak detection. Mr. Rooter Plumbing offers leak detection and repair services throughout Santa Cruz and surrounding areas. Professional plumbers use tools and expertise to determine the location, severity, and course of action of a leak in your home or commercial property. Routine inspections and maintenance preserve your plumbing system and prevent disasters like flooding from broken pipes. Small leaks can build pressure over time, causing major leaks and expensive damage.

If you suspect a leak based on the above criteria, you should immediately call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Santa Cruz. We provide prompt service estimate appointments and reliable flat-rate pricing to keep your plumbing in top working order. One of our uniformed, friendly professionals will come to your home or commercial site and thoroughly inspect the area before recommending options for a solution. Don’t wait for a small leak to become a plumbing emergency. Contact us today for a free estimate.