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The Guide To Water Leaks
In Your Home
Rapid world population
growth and lifestyle change contribute to
the increased demand for water by mankind.
Additionally, low level rainfall in some
parts of the world, slowed the
replenishment of water supply.
Therefore, each one of us should make our
best efforts in the conservation of one
the most precious commodity here on our
planet, which is water. One such effort is
to watch out for water leaks in our homes,
no matter how small those leaks might be.
Although some water leaks are so slow that
they are not detectable, some known leaks
are being ignored by some homeowners. This
is due to ignorance to the fact that small
leaks that keeps on leaking would sum up
into thousands of gallons in a year.
Imagine if all homeowners had that same
attitude?
Moreover, water leaks not only contribute
to worldwide water shortage, but also
cause damage to some parts of the house's
structure. Damages to the house structural
elements could cause the house to
deteriorate faster, collapse, and injuries
to its occupants.
Water leak detection can either be done by
periodically checking the areas and
components of the house's plumbing system
or by installing a commercially available
water leak detection device.
There are mainly two types of water
leak detection system:
1. Passive Leak Detection Systems are
usually stand-alone battery-operated
devices that produce alarm sound when its
moisture sensor becomes wet, these alarms
enable the homeowner to locate exactly
where the water leaks are and do the
necessary repairs. Since these are
battery-dependent devices, its battery
should be checked regularly.
2. Active Leak Detection Systems also
sound an alarm when it detect water leaks,
and will automatically stop the water
flow. It may use a moisture sensor or a
flow sensor in monitoring any water leaks.
There are two types of active leak
detection system:
a. Individual appliance systems monitor
leaks from a single appliance and
automatically shut off water supply to
such appliance should leaks be detected.
b. Whole house systems monitor leaks in
the whole house and shut off the main
water supply to the house should leaks be
detected. Whole house system is composed
of several moisture sensors which send
signal to control valve via radio signal
or by means of wiring connections.
Every house is unique and has a special
situation to determine what type of water
leak system is applicable. Some simple
systems may be installed by the homeowner,
but complex systems should be done by
qualified plumber.
If you don't have water leak detection
system device installed in your house, you
can always check your house periodically
for any water leaks, unless of course if
you already hear those water dripping
sound. Water leaks usually happen in areas
where the water-consuming appliance and
plumbing fixtures are located. Among the
most obvious areas to look for water leaks
are:
1. Bathroom & toilet area (check for leaks
on showerhead, faucet, and water heating
system)
2. Kitchen (check for leaks on faucet,
dishwasher, water heating system)
3. Laundry room (check for leaks on
faucet, clothes washer)
4. Garage and basement area (check on
evaporator cooler, hot water system)
5. Lawn (check on turf, low water use
garden, irrigation system)
6. Pool and spa
7. Patio
8. Water meter
Detecting water leaks through the sight
and sound may seem an easy task. This may
be true in fast and big leaks, but slow
and small leaks, it could be impossible to
detect without the aid of a water leak
detection device. Here are some tips in
monitoring the house for possible water
leaks.
1. Water is leaking in your toilet when
water is moving from the tank to the bowl
when nobody is flushing it.
2. When your toilet is flushing itself
when nobody is near the toilet.
3. Another method of detecting water leak
in the toilet is to place food color in
the tank, should you see the color in the
bowl after a few minutes then you can
conclude that there is a leak.
4. Since most water pipes are embedded in
the walls and floors, we can only know if
there are leaks when you see discoloration
on wall, ceiling, and carpet.
5. Detecting water leaks in sprinkling
system is the same with spotting leaks on
concealed piping systems.
6. One such practical way to know whether
you have water leaks in your house is to
monitor your water bill. Should you have
higher water bill with the same usual
consumption, you could seek a professional
plumber or check it out with your local
utility company.
Water leaks only worsen through time; it
would be wise for you to deal with it as
early as possible. Early detection and
repair shall save you money and prevent
damage to your house. If you ignore it,
you are only postponing something you
should do anyway.
For more great leak
detection info and advice check out:
http://www.leak-advisor.com
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Morris
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