When everything is in working order, many homeowners take their plumbing system for granted. From pipe bursts or leaking appliances, when the home experiences any form of water damage, some are not prepared to mitigate the catastrophe.
Although minor leaks do not cause substantial damage, they still result in money, time, and energy spent repairing the issue. However, if you happen to leave a minor leak unattended, it could eventually cause structural damage to the home.
The following are the steps to take if you notice a leak in your home:
- Check your water heater – Ensure no water is currently being used throughout the home (interior and exterior). Find the water heater and look at the leak indicator—a small wheel or triangle-shaped dial—to see if it is moving. If it is, then you have a leak. You can also take another reading after waiting another hour or so. If the dial continues to move, the leak is confirmed.
- Shut off the water – If you are experiencing a pipe burst or a serious leak, this should be the first step. Locate your home’s main shut off valve and turn off the water. The main shut off valve is typically found in the garage or basement behind an outdoor faucet, or underneath an outdoor faucet. When you shut off the water, check the leak indicator again. If the meter stops moving or the readings aren’t changing, then the leak inside your home. If the indicator still moves or the readings change, then the leak is outside.
- Clean up the mess – Once the leak stops, clean up the mess right away. Failing to clean up after a leak can lead to mold and mildew, causing further damage to the home. Disinfect any surfaces and furniture that touched the water.
- Call a plumber – If you are not able to repair the leak yourself, contact a local plumber to fix the problem immediately.
If you need professional plumbing repair in Sterling, VA, contact our skilled plumbers at Donmar Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today.