One of the worst menaces a homeowner can face is an encounter with a leaky water pipe. Truth is, any appliance that uses water has the potential of becoming a leaky water source. That’s why smart homeowners call our team of licensed Memphis plumbers to stop the leak before it becomes a flood.

How to Know You Have a Serious Leak Problem

Think for a moment of all the fixtures and appliances that use water: sinks, dishwashers, and refrigerators with ice makers in the kitchen; sinks, tubs, showers and toilets in bathrooms; washing machines and water heaters in basements, garages and laundry rooms. Leaks can pop up in any of these places, or in the pipes that bring clean water to and remove waster water from these appliances.

Here are some signs of possible leaks in the household plumbing system:

• Unusually high water bills.
• Changes in water meter readings when not using water.
• Chronic sewer backups.
• Dripping faucets and running toilets.
• Sounds of running water when nothing is being used.
• Musty odors coming from floors or walls near drains or sewers.
• Cracked or damp slab or foundation.
• Mold, mildew or excessive moisture under carpets.
• Warm damp areas on concrete floors, a possible sign of a hot water leak.
• Outside the house, unusually wet areas with lots of healthy or excessive plant growth.
• In the yard, particularly wet or moist areas that are unusually wet or moist, often with very healthy (or unusual) plant or grass growth.

If you suspect you have a leak problem, it’s best to call in a licensed plumber. However, the best solution to any problem, including plumbing leaks, is to stop the leak before it happens. A leak detection system can be a good line of defense, especially those installed by a plumber. There are two types of detection systems, passive and active.

Passive leak detection systems usually are stand-alone, battery-operated units that sound an alarm, like a smoke detector, when it finds a water leak. They work well when installed near dishwashers and refrigerators in the kitchen and near toilets in bathrooms.

Active leak detection systems also emit an alarm as well as stopping the flow of water to the leak before it causes serious damage. Most active systems use moisture sensors to determine if a leak exists. Some more complicated systems employ a flow sensor with a timer to determine if a leak exists and to turn off the water. Active systems can be used with individual appliances or they can control the entire home plumbing system. Either way, these higher-end systems usually require installation by a licensed plumber.

Make an appointment today with a licensed plumber for leak detection & repairs in Memphis.