You already spend so much of your time, money and effort on keeping your home in tip-top shape. But you could be forgetting a key part of home care: water leak detection. While it can be easy to let leaks go by the wayside when seemingly more important issues pop up, but doing so could end up costing you.
We walk through the different kinds of home leaks, why you should care about them and how to know if you have one.
Types of Water Leaks
There are usually two types of water leaks in your home – visible and hidden leaks. The former is easy to understand. These are leaks you can see, like that dripping faucet or the water stain you see on the ceiling. But hidden leaks are harder to notice and can potentially have more dire consequences in the long run. These leaks happen behind your walls, causing mold to grow and putting more than just your home at risk – but your family’s health as well.
Signs of Water Leaks
When you hear that constant drip, you may think that leaky faucet is just a nuisance. In reality, though, that tiny dripping sound could be a sign of more significant and costly issues in your home. Keeping an eye (or ear) out for signs of a water leak could save you from major home damage. If you notice any of these, it’s time to call in the experts:
- Unexpected high water bills.
- Sagging, warped or stained ceilings.
- Cracked or warped flooring.
- Mildew or mold in your kitchen, bathroom or laundry room.
- A musty smell you can’t get rid of.
How to Detect Water Leaks
You’ve seen the signs of a water leak, but how do you confirm you have one? There are a few appliances and fixtures that are usually linked to leaks: your toilets, shower and hoses. But you may not always be able to confirm a leak visually. Plus, small leaks from a sink or shower could be caused by more serious issues in the plumbing and piping of your home. Your plumbing is all interconnected. Left unchecked, water leaks can wreak havoc on your home, even if it seems minor at first. There’s also the issue of water waste, which has both environmental and cost implications. Undetected leaks can easily impact your water bill and conservation efforts.
Start Protecting Your Home
Water leak detection does more than just keep your home well maintained. It protects your home’s value, your wallet and your health. With every leak you catch, you protect the investment you’ve made in your home, save money on water bills, conserve more water and keep your family safe from exposure to potentially harmful mold.
With a StreamLabs® device, you’ll be able to catch leaks before they lead to water damage or sky-high utility bills. The StreamLabs® Monitor tracks water usage and detects abnormal water use to alert you of possible leaks. You can easily see what’s out of the norm and take action before it’s too late. If you prefer something more hands-on, the StreamLabs® Control gives you the ability to shut off your water automatically.