How to Check for Leaks During Summer Dry Spells
You just returned to your Rossmoor home after a long vacation—sunny beaches, zero laundry, and no dishes in sight. But reality hits fast when you open your mailbox and find a sky-high water bill, even though no one’s been home to use it.
There’s no flood, no soggy mess. So, where’s all that water going?
Knowing the Signs of a Leak
Drought conditions in Orange County make leaks sneakier than ever. With less moisture in the soil, underground leaks don’t show themselves the way they do in rainy seasons.
Like a toddler being too quiet, a hidden leak often goes unnoticed until it’s caused real damage. And a mother knows that a problem you can’t see is the most dangerous kind. A hidden leak can waste thousands of gallons of water, inflate your water bill, and lead to costly home repairs. Here’s how to spot the signs before things go sideways.
Common Signs of Misbehaving Plumbing:
- Water Stains on Your Ceiling, Floors, or Walls
- Rust on Pipes
- Wet or Damp Floors
- Low Water Pressure
- Higher than Normal Water Bills
If you’re nodding “yes” to any of these, it’s time to investigate before your summer plans go down the drain.
Take Your Plumbing Into Your Own Hands
Coming home to a surprising jump in your water bill or waking up to a flood in the laundry room are just a few of the memories you don’t want to make. Thankfully, smart technology lets you protect your home whether you’re away for two weeks or just at the grocery store.
An automatic water shut-off is like a babysitter for your pipes. It watches over your water lines 24/7 and if it senses something’s amiss, even a tiny pinhole leak, it sends an alert right to your phone and shuts off the water.
So, if your washing machine hose gives out while you’re bringing in the groceries from the car? There’s no need to panic. The water will get turned off automatically. That’s peace of mind.
An emergency gas shut-off is another smart move, especially here in earthquake-prone Orange County. If your gas line is disrupted, the shut-off valve cuts the flow automatically, protecting your home from danger without you lifting a finger. Because while natural gas smells like rotten eggs, no one wants to play “guess that leak” with their safety.
Routine Inspections for Plumbing Security
Smart tools help monitor things while you’re away or busy focusing on your family, but they only let you know when things are already wrong. If you want to spot problems before they turn into headaches, that’s where professional inspections come in.
A yearly check-up from a Barker and Sons plumber can catch worn-out parts, weak pipes, or corrosion that’s just waiting for its moment to strike. A little prevention now saves you from a whole lot of drama (and damage) later.
Barker and Sons Knows Plumbing Safety
A mother knows the house only runs smoothly when the plumbing does. And when you’re stuck with high water bills or low water pressure, it’s time to get it checked out before the leak really makes its entrance.
Whether you’ve spotted a warning sign or just want the peace of mind that everything’s running as it should, our plumbers are here to help. From smart shut-off installations to comprehensive inspections, we’ll make sure your plumbing is working right! Call us to schedule your service today.