Plumbing - Tracking Down a Pipe Leak

They leak, sweat, make loud noises and freeze; no,means it isn't secured right to the wax ring, which
not your kids- your pipes. When you think about yourmeans a potential leak is occurring.
plumbing if you think about it at all, it is probably onlyFreezing pipes of course are more obvious. They
when something goes wrong. That is usually whentend to explode and leave a flood of water in your
most of us realize that the part we cant see- thehome; there is no missing this one. If you live in a
pipes can do a massive amount of damage to ourcold climate you need to take the proper precautions
homes when something goes wrong.to wrap your pipes and winterize them before the
A leaking pipe can drain your water bill and if it iscold sets in. Once they freeze you will need to get
leaking in the wrong place it can cause structuralprofessional help fast to try and prevent more
damage to your home as well. Here are some waysdamage from occurring when they burst.
to tell if you have a leak going that you aren't awareNow that you're aware of your pipes, you are also
of. We are assuming you haven't come home andaware that your knowledge is more limited on how
found your kids floating on the couch cushions, soto fix them than ever. You need a plumber. The
any leak at this point is probably undetected. Thereeasiest way to hire a professional plumber with a
are basically two sources of water coming into yourgood reputation is to look at consumer driven web
home, your bathroom and your kitchen, that you cansites like Angie's List. These web sites offer reviews
check for leaks. Look for loose tiles in the bathroom.of a business by the actual clients who use or used
If you find a multitude of loose tiles lift them up andthe service so you know you are getting an honest
check the wall for a spongy feel. If you have aviewpoint. This can help eliminate a lot of future leg
spongy wall you have a leak. You can also look forwork and phone calls to try and find someone
persistent mold and mildew. Check your tiles groutingreputable in your area.
lines. Are there gaps? Gaps probably mean moldThe hardest part about plumbing should be
growing there as well. Where there is mold or mildewmaintaining it, not finding a plumber you can trust and
there is a water source. You can also check aroundwith these tips you should be able to find a
your toilet for water leakage. Another trick is to rocktrustworthy professional in no time flat.
your toilet- does it move? It shouldn't and if it does it