Though it may not seem like a big deal but a drippy faucet or a leaky pipe has the ability to damage your home right underneath your nose. What starts as a small stream of water could potentially lead to mold growth inside your walls and even rotting drywall. At MN Plumbing and Home Services, we want to help Prior Lake and Twin Cities residents be fully equipped with the knowledge to stop a problem before it begins. Here are four ways to prevent leaks from turning into crises.

The Moldy Smell

When your basement or bathroom begins to take on a musty scent, it’s important to get to the root of the problem. Areas around sink faucets, inside bathroom pipe cabinets, around the back of the toilet, and near the shower-head are all typical culprits to where leaks spring out. If you believe your toilet has a leak, put food coloring in the tank and wait about ten minutes. You’ll know you have a leak if the water in the bowl turns the same color. This means that your water is running straight from your toilet tank to your drain, and adding cost to your water bill as time progresses.

The Water Bill

Are you noticing the water bill getting higher without any explanation like a garden or a backyard pool? This could be due to a hidden leak in your house that is behind a toilet or in a hard-to-reach area. As we mentioned before, there are multiple areas in the house where leaks could be present. Don’t worry about inspecting all your pipes, but keep your eye on the three main areas where leaks happen: bathrooms, kitchens, and appliances (dishwashers, clothes washers, hot water heaters). Unexplainable additional water usage will be a sure-fire way to figure out if you have any leaks happening in your home.

The Pressure Valve

The pressure release valve on your hot water heater is another area where a leak may be happening. While not all pressure release valves are directly connected to a drain, some might be depending on the setup. Check the drainpipe for leaks, and if you are unable to remove it simply listen for a hissing sound to indicate running water.

Outdoor Leaks

The fourth area you should be monitoring for leaks is outside your home.  Hoses, valves, and sprinkler systems all have the potential to spring a leak while your back is turned. Though checking multiple hoses and valves for leaks seems like a large task, it will save you money on your water bill in the long run.

If you have questions about leaks or you need help finding a leak in your home, call MN Plumbing and Home Services at (952) 469-8341