Why Water Leaks are a Threat?
The world is experiencing an exponential increase in population. Water, being a basic necessity is also high in demand. Additionally, the changing global climate has resulted in low levels of rainfall in some parts of the world while others are going through natural disasters due to higher level of rainfall. This shortage or uneven distribution of water is one of the most important resource constraint which the world is currently facing.
Therefore, the best solution is to conserve this precious natural resource. No matter how trivial our contribution may be, we must all play our part. For homemakers, that could mean avoiding unnecessary waste of water. Another most critical effort in this case could be to watch for signs of leaks in the homes. Let’s look at the numbers.
- A faucet which drips once every second can cause a loss of 27,000 gallons of water a year
- Minor water leaks in households account for more than 1 trillion galloons of lost water annually
- A leaky toilet can waste more than 13,000 gallons of water
- Leaks in the plumbing fixtures are the primary cause of structural damage to residential and commercial properties
And the statistics account for water loss in the US only. Now imagine the magnitude of the problem on a global level. Regardless of the size, leaks are one of the major causes of water wastage in the US and around the world. So to save our planet and conserve the precious natural resource, water, we must actively play our part.
Detecting Water Leaks
While some leaks are slow and undetectable, other leaks are more obvious but are simply ignored by homeowners. Looking at the numbers, imagine what would happen if all homeowners ignore these leaks? While water leaks contribute to water wastage and shortage of the resource, it is also the primary cause of structural damage to all types of properties. A leaking plumbing fixture can cause the foundations of the house to weaken faster and may even result in collapse. This can cause serious injuries to the occupants along with financial loss.
Now that you know water leaks are dangerous, let’s look at how you can detect these leaks in your homes. There are two ways to detect water leaks.
Periodic Inspection
You can detect leaks in your plumbing fixtures by periodically inspecting them. This is most effective in case of leaks which are external and more obvious. Water leaks are common in areas of the house where appliances which rely on water are installed. They are also most common around plumbing fixtures. Some of the most areas of the house to look for water leaks are:
- Bathroom – check for leaking faucets, toilets, showerheads and water heating system
- Kitchen – check for leaking faucets, dishwasher and pipes under the sink
- Laundry – leaks are common near the clothes washer and water supply pipes
- Garage or basement of the house area – watch for leaks on evaporator cooler or sump pumps
- Lawn – sprinklers and irrigation systems may leak
You can periodically check for leaks on your own or can schedule an appointment with a professional plumber. Locating a leak may seem like an easy task, but not all leaks are obvious and noticeable. To find out other not so obvious leaks, you need to rely on leak detection systems.
Leak Detection Systems
Leak detection systems are commercially available devices which are installed in the plumbing fixtures. There are two main types of water leak detection systems.
Passive Leak Detection Systems
This type of leak detection system are battery operated devices which are installed along the plumbing fixtures. They have moisture sensors so as soon as there is moisture, an alarm goes off. This alerts the homeowners about the possibility of a leak so they can take necessary measures to repair it.
However, since these systems are battery operated, one must periodically check and replace the batteries.
Active Leak Detection Systems
An active leak detection system is a modification of passive leak detection systems. Along with an alarm, it has a built in system which automatically shuts off the water flow. Active leak detection systems can be further divided into two categories.
Individual Appliance Detection System
Attached to an individual appliance such as a washing machine, this leak detection system monitors leaks from one appliance. So as soon as there is moisture, the sensor shuts off the water supply.
Whole House Detection System
In this case, multiple moisture sensors are placed at various locations in the house. As soon as the device monitors a leak, it automatically shuts off the main water supply of the house.
Every house is different so the most suitable type of leak detection system depends upon individual needs and preference. If you are not sure about the right type of leak detection system for your house, make sure you schedule an appointment with a professional plumber. They are not only trained to identify leaks in the house but can also suggest and install the most suitable leak detection system for your home.
Water leaks tend to get worse over time and can result in structural damage. Only early detection and repair can save you money and inconvenience. If you have water leaks in your home, contact us. At Mesa Plumbing, we offer all types of repair and replacement of all leaking fixtures. Whether it is an emergency leak or a leak you have been ignoring, we service all Mesa and surrounding areas 24/7 that too at best price. We also rely on the latest leak detection technology for precisely locating leaks in your home. To schedule an appointment, call now at 480-832-1660 or visit our website.