Where Is That Water Coming From?

A common source of water damage comes from small leaks. While they don't get as much attention as storms and disasters, a hidden leak in the wrong location can create a serious problem over time, leading to water damage and mold growth. This can get costly, so it's important to do what you can to find and prevent leaks.
According to the EPA, the average household in the US wastes about 10,000 gallons of water each year just from leaks. Of course, some of those leaks will be at locations where the water has an easy path down the drain, such as at your faucet, but ​some can be in places where the leak isn't noticed before it is too late.
So, what can a homeowner do to ensure that they aren't sitting on a ticking time-bomb?​

What Can You Do?

Of course, the best way to find out as much as possible about the state of your plumbing system is to hire a professional plumber, but not everyone wants to spend the money on a plumber when there is no clear problem. So, another option is to look for some signs of leaks in your home. What should you look out for?
Discolored areas on your roof and walls is a good place to start. This is a sure sign that there is either water intrusion or a leak inside your home. Unfortunately, to fix it, you will most likely need to cut into the area and find out where the leak is located.
Another sign to look out for is when your drains are slow or gurgling. While there are many different issues that could cause this behavior, it is possible that it is due to a leak. Using a snake with a camera attached can help you find any leaks inside of your pipes.
Another thing that might seem obvious, but that is still missed by many homeowners is that water collecting anywhere in your home without a good explanation should be investigated. It is easy to think that a little bit of water on the floor or a damp surface somewhere is just a spill or random condensation, but it could be a sign of a problem brewing somewhere.

Something to avoid in order to ensure that you minimize leaks in your pipes is to be careful with drain chemicals. Even brands that are marketed as "Easy on Pipes" or something similar can end up having a harmful effect on your plumbing.

Of course, if you are dealing with damage from water-leaks in your home, your first call should be to Hero Remediation to get the best remediation service possible.