4 min read
Small Plumbing Leaks. HVAC and Maintenance Checks.
If you can spend one morning paying particular attention to often neglected areas of your house, you can save time and trouble later. Here’s a quick overview of things you should be on the lookout for.
Small plumbing leaks. A drip here, a drop there. Especially when life gets busy, a small plumbing leak can seem easy to contain by wiping up the moisture occasionally or placing a bucket under the sink. But small leaks can add up to big problems over time. For example, did you know that a faucet leaking at the rate of one drop per minute can use 34 additional gallons of water in a year’s time?
But a dripping faucet and a slowly leaking pipe under the sink are not the only evidence of plumbing problems.
How to recognize a potential leak. Here are some signs you may see:
- A sudden drop in water pressure
- Wet or discolored spots on ceiling, floor or walls
- Mold, mildew or an unexplained odor
- A higher than usual water bill
- Or blistering paint or wallpaper.
If you notice one or more of these signs, call your local plumber for repairs and a general inspection.
The dangers of ignoring a small leak. Even small leaks should be taken seriously. Slow leaks that continue over time can create a variety of health and safety concerns. Here are just a few:
- Structural damage – water damage from leaky pipes can become expensive. The longer you wait to have leaks repaired, the more damage will occur, and repair costs will increase.
- Mold and mildew – water damage can cause mold and mildew that can harm you and your family.
- Burst pipes – winter temperatures are not the only cause of bursting pipes. Over time a continuous trickle can wear away at the pipe, weaken the material, and eventually cause it to burst.
- Wasting water – a toilet with an improperly functioning flushing/filling mechanism can waste thousands of gallons of water each year. Removing the tank lid and temporarily fixing the problem yourself will only work for a limited time.
- Water contamination – a leaky pipe means there is a break somewhere in the plumbing system.
- Fire risk – plumbing systems are usually in close proximity to electrical systems. A water leak near electrical wiring presents a fire hazard.
HVAC and Household Safety Checks.
HVAC maintenance. Prevent fires – and costly bills – by having all your heating equipment checked and serviced annually. Spring is a great time to schedule maintenance. It’s always a good idea to check your air conditioner filters each season. Clean or replace them as needed. When you keep the cool air flowing, and the humidity is less than 50%, you’ll keep dust mites to a minimum as well. In some houses, you may notice a big difference in temperatures between floors. If that happens, check the ductwork to make sure air is flowing freely.
Speaking of vents, your bathroom ceiling vent fan can collect dust. A quick look will tell you if it needs cleaning! If the fan is also noisy, it helps to spray some silicone on the moving parts.
Your dryer vents also need regular attention. Cleaning these vents makes them work efficiently and prevents fires. Don’t overlook the hose, which can be cleaned with a special brush and/or a vacuum. Be sure to clear the filter of lint every time you use the dryer.
Safety checks. Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It may also be time to clear out any dust or cobwebs from the sensors. Use your vacuum hose with the brush attachment for this chore. There should be a smoke detector in every bedroom and at least one carbon monoxide detector in the house, one for every level may be necessary if you use fuel burning appliances, have an attached garage or operate generators.
Finally, check your circuit breakers every 6 months. You can even trip the breakers to make sure they’re working properly.
Call Restoration 1 for 24/7 Emergency and Disaster Cleanup!
And remember that if disaster does strike, Restoration 1 of Metro Detroit is here to tackle any water, smoke or fire issue. We’re professionals who understand the impact of a disaster to you and your family. Contact our team for help with water damage remediation and other disaster cleanup services!
