Water leaks in your home’s plumbing can cause serious damage if left unchecked. From mold growth to water damage, the consequences of a leak can be costly and time-consuming to repair. It’s important to detect water leaks early on to prevent them from becoming a bigger problem. In this blog, we’ll explore the top 6 best ways to find water leaks in your home’s plumbing.

1. Check Your Water Meter

The first step to detecting a water leak is to check your water meter. Turn off all water in your home and make a note of the reading on your water meter. Wait for a few hours and then check the reading again. If the reading has changed, even though no water was being used, it’s a sign that there may be a leak somewhere in your plumbing system.

2. Monitor Your Water Bill Closely

Another way to detect water leaks is by monitoring your water bill closely. If you notice a sudden increase in your water bill, it’s likely that there is a water leak in your home. Keep track of your monthly water usage to spot any unusual spikes that you can’t explain.

3. Look For Water Stains and Moisture

Water stains and moisture are signs of a water leak. Check your walls, ceilings, and floors for any signs of discoloration or dampness. If you notice any, it’s important to investigate further to determine the source of the leak.

4. Inspect Your Pipes

Inspecting your pipes is a great way to detect water leaks. Check for any visible signs of corrosion, rust, or damage to your pipes. If you notice any, it could be a sign of a water leak. Additionally, listen for any hissing or whistling sounds (or other unusual noises) coming from your pipes, as this could also indicate a leak.

5. Conduct A Dye Test

A dye test is an effective way to detect water leaks. Simply add about 4 to 5 drops of food coloring to your toilet tank and wait for roughly 25-30 minutes. If the water in your toilet bowl changes color, it’s a sign that there may be a leak in your toilet.

6. Hire A Professional Plumber

If you’re unable to detect a water leak using the methods above, it’s best to hire a professional plumber. Plumbers have the necessary tools and expertise to locate and repair water leaks in your plumbing system. A professional plumber can also provide you with advice on how to prevent future leaks.

Contact Leak Finders Today For All Your Plumbing Needs In Richmond, VA And The Surrounding Areas

As the weather gets warmer, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your pipes for the summer season. As a homeowner, it’s essential to take care of your plumbing system to avoid any potential issues during the summer months. Here are the top 5 tips for preparing your pipes for summer.

1. Check For Leaks

One of the most crucial steps to prepare your pipes for summer is to check for leaks. Leaks can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as rusted pipes, loose connections, or wear and tear over time. If you notice any leaks, it’s essential to have them repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your plumbing system.

2. Clean Your Pipes

Over time, your pipes can accumulate debris, such as hair, grease, and food particles, which can cause clogs and slow drains. To prevent this, it’s essential to clean your pipes regularly.  Because chemical drain cleaners have been known to cause more damage to your pipes, you should hire a professional plumber to perform a thorough cleaning of your pipes instead.

3. Insulate Your Pipes

During the summer months, the temperature can rise significantly, which can cause your pipes to expand and contract. This can lead to cracks, leaks, and other issues. To prevent this, it’s essential to insulate your pipes. You can use foam pipe insulation to cover your pipes and protect them from the heat.

4. Check Your Water Heater

Your water heater works harder during the summer months to provide hot water for your home. It’s important to check your water heater and ensure it’s functioning correctly. If you notice any issues, such as leaks or strange noises, it’s essential to have it repaired as soon as possible.

5. Schedule A Plumbing Inspection

Finally, it’s essential to schedule a plumbing inspection before the summer season begins. A professional plumber can inspect your plumbing system and identify any potential issues before they become major problems. They can also provide you with tips and advice on how to maintain your plumbing system during the summer months – and beyond.

Leak Finders Is Here To Help With All Your Leak Detection and Plumbing Needs Today In Richmond, VA and Surrounding Areas

In conclusion, preparing your pipes for summer is essential to ensure your plumbing system functions correctly during the hot months. By following these top 5 tips, you can prevent potential issues and ensure your plumbing system runs smoothly all summer long.

Leak Finders, located in Richmond, VA, has been offering reliable leak detection and plumbing services of high quality for more than 20 years. You can rely on us to help you find the root cause of the leak and promptly repair it to restore a safe and comfortable living environment. We can also assist you with drain cleaning and more. Schedule an appointment today by contacting us at (804) 867-2114 or through our website here.

A leaking faucet can be a rather frustrating and costly problem. Not only does it waste water, but it can also cause damage to your plumbing fixtures and increase your utility bills. If you notice your faucet is leaking, it’s important to take action as soon as possible to prevent more damage. Here are the 4 reasons why your faucet may be leaking.

1. Worn-Out Washer

The most common reason why a faucet leaks is a worn-out washer. A washer is a small, round rubber or plastic component located at the base of the water stem. It acts as a seal between the stem and the valve seat. Over time, that washer can get worn or damaged, causing water to leak out of the faucet. If you notice your faucet is dripping from the spout, you might need to replace the washer. This is a relatively inexpensive repair that can be done by a professional plumber.

2. Loose or Corroded Parts

Another common cause of faucet leaks is loose or corroded parts. Over time, the various components of your faucet can become loose or corroded, which ultimately can lead to leaks. If you notice your faucet is leaking from the handle or base, this could be why. While this may be a simple repair that just requires some tightening, it could also be a more complex project that needs to be completed by a professional.

3. High Water Pressure

High water pressure can cause a faucet to leak. When the water pressure in your home is too high, it can put extra strain on your plumbing fixtures, causing them to leak or even break. If you suspect that high water pressure is causing your faucet to leak, you might need to install a pressure regulator. This device will be able to regulate the water pressure in your home, ensuing that it stays within a safe range.

4. Damaged Valve Seat

The valve seat is the connection between the faucet and the spout. Over time, this component can become damaged or corroded and cause leaks. If you notice your faucet is leaking from the spout even when the handle is turned off, it could be due to a damaged valve seat. In order to fix this issue, you will likely need to have a professional help you replace the valve seat.

Contact Leak Finders Today For All Your Faucet and Sink Needs In Richmond, VA And Surrounding Areas

A leaking faucet can be a frustrating and costly problem. If you notice that your faucet is leaking, no matter how much, it’s important to take immediate action in order to prevent further damage. For all your faucet and sink repair and replacement needs, contact the professionals at Leak Finders today by filling out our form here.

Is your spring cleaning in full effect yet? You likely didn’t have “fix leaky pipes” on your to-do list because it’s not really one of those things you can plan for. However, there are ways you can spring into action when your pipes spring a leak. Don’t wait until your leak causes water damage in your home. Take action now by following these tips.

1. Know Where Your Shut-Off Valve Is

Knowing where your main water shut-off valve is located is super helpful in emergency situations like this. In the event you need to shut off your water supply temporarily, you will want to know where this is located. This valve is what ultimately controls the flow of water that moves throughout your house. Most of the time, it’s located in one of three places: outside, the basement, or the crawlspace.

2. Shut Off The Water Supply

Now that you know where your shut-off valve is located, turn of the water supply in your home. It’s just temporarily, so there’s no need to panic! Shutting off water will help you avoid any further water damage from taking place around your home.

3. Call A Leak Detection Specialist

Once the water is shut off, contact a leak detection specialist. Many leak detection specialists are available for emergency repairs if needed. If your leak is significant enough, hopefully you’ll have luck getting a professional out to your home right away. Let them know you’ve shut off the water and make sure not to turn it back on until they advise you to do so.

4. Clean Up Water From The Leak

At this point, you hopefully have a leak detection specialist coming out to your home to help. In the mean time, walk around your home and clean up any water that may have resulted from your leaky pipe. Not only can water cause damage to your home, but it can also lead to mold growth if it sits long enough. In fact, mold only needs 24-48 hours to start growing. Take care of any water messes you find.

5. Open Some Doors and Windows

If weather allows, consider opening some doors and windows to let air circulate through. If nothing more, have some fans going. Water leaks can cause excess moisture, and moisture can cause mold. One way or another, you want to make sure you’re letting air circulate so you don’t run into even bigger problems.

Leak Finders Is Here To Help With All Your Leak Detection Needs Today In Richmond, VA and Surrounding Areas!

For over 20 years, Leak Finders in Richmond, VA has been providing professional, quality leak detection services people can count on. Contact us to schedule your appointment today. The professionals at Leak Finders will help you find the source of the leak and repair the leak so you can get back to a comfortable, healthy living environment again. We can be reached at (804) 867-2114 or online here.

How Best To Avoid A Plumbing Disaster This Valentine’s Day

The only thing overflowing this Valentine’s Day should be your love. Take the plunge and follow these tips and tricks to avoid a plumbing disaster.

1. Fix Leaks Right Away

If you notice leaks, no matter how big or small, it’s important that you fix them right away. Leaving the leaks unaddressed could lead to water damage, which could ruin some of your household items if the damage is significant enough. There’s nothing like expensive water damage to ruin a perfect evening with your Valentine! Not only that, but just like you love that special someone, mold LOVES moisture. If left alone for too long, you could have mold growth on your hands – and foul odors. Both of those things aren’t the best when you’re trying to enjoy a relaxing evening with your person.

2. Repair Clogged Drains

Now is the time to repair any clogged drains that you’ve put off fixing. The last thing you need to deal with on Valentine’s Day is a clogged drain. There’s nothing romantic about that, if we’re being honest. If you’re planning on already going to the store to pick up some flowers and chocolate, you might be thinking it’s also a good time to pick up some drain cleaner. However, think twice before using chemical drain cleaners. These can actually cause some serious damage to your pipes, and even eat away at them – no matter their material. It’s a much better and safer idea to hire a professional drain cleaner to clear your clogs.

3. Keep Grease Out Of the Sink

Are you planning on cooking a homemade meal for you and your valentine? Make sure you do so carefully! Keep any grease out of your sink if you want to avoid clogs. Some people are under the impression that because grease is a liquid, it’s safe to put down the drain. However, once the grease cools, it solidifies. This can wreak havoc on your drains, so it’s best to let the grease cool and then toss it in the trash.

4. Know Where The Shut-Off Valves Are

Do you know where your shut-off valves are located? If not, then now is the time to figure it out! If you have a plumbing emergency, you may be required to shut off the water to your entire home. It can be hard to do that if you’re not sure where the valve is located. Knowing where it’s at before emergency strikes can save you a major heartache this Valentine’s Day.

5. Commit To Routine Maintenance

The best way to ensure your plumbing system is in great, working condition is to schedule routine maintenance. Maintenance can help you catch problems early before they become major. Commit to your plumbing by scheduling routine maintenance at least once a year.

Avoid A Plumbing Disaster This Valentine’s Day. Schedule A Plumbing Maintenance With Leak Finders Today In Richmond, VA and Surrounding Areas!

For over 20 years, Leak Finders in Richmond, VA has been providing professional, quality plumbing services people can count on. Contact us to schedule your plumbing maintenance today and we will make sure your plumbing is ready to keep you and your loved one comfortable this Valentine’s Day. We can be reached at (804) 867-2114 or online here.

It’s a new year, which means you have 365 new days to set goals and develop new habits! When establishing these for yourself, consider also setting some goals for your plumbing. Here are the top 6 New Year’s Resolutions for your plumbing system.

1. Don’t Ignore Small Issues

Whether you notice a leaking faucet, water around your toilet, or strange sounds coming from your pipes, don’t ignore them! Even if they appear to be small, they can still lead to much bigger problems if not addressed. The last thing you want to deal with is costly repairs and damage to your home. That is not a good way to start off the new year!

2. Treat Your Garbage Disposal With Care

Your garbage disposal works hard for you, so make sure you’re treating it with care. Remember that your garbage disposal isn’t a replacement for your garbage can. You should refrain from putting items like coffee grounds, bones, grease, fat, oils, fibrous vegetables, and other items down the drain. They can lead to clogs and backups.

3. Don’t Treat Your Toilet Like A Trash Can

Your toilet is designed to handle two things and two things only: toilet paper and waste. Anything other than that should never go in your toilet. Items like cotton balls, hair, toys, food, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products don’t belong. In fact, even “flushable” wipes aren’t the best because they don’t disintegrate and break down as easily in our pipes and sewage systems. Therefore, they end up clogging our sewers.

4. Schedule a Routine Plumbing Inspection

One great way to make sure your plumbing is in good working condition all year long is to schedule annual plumbing inspections. During your inspection, a plumber will be able to check for leaks, clear your drains, let you know of any concerns you should be aware of, and more.

5. Fix Your Leaks Right Away

Have you put off fixing that water leak in your kitchen or bathroom? Now is the time to fix it. Leaks can not only waste thousands of gallons of water and increase your water bills, but they can also cause structural damage to your home.

6. Check For Hidden Leaks

Not all leaks are that obvious. Some leaks are hidden – behind walls, under floors, and even underground. If you notice some changes around your home, like increased water bills or damaged floors and ceilings, then check for hidden water leaks. One way to do this is to drop food coloring into your toilet tank and wait about 10-15 minutes. If the color shows up in the bowl, then you have a leak. You can also check your water meter. To do this, first you want to turn off all the water in your home, and watch the meter to see if it begins to change. If it does, then likely you have a fast-moving leak. If it doesn’t change right away, wait a couple hours and check again. If it has changed, even though the water is shut off, then you may have a leak.

Contact Leak Finders Today For All  Your Plumbing and Leak Detection Needs In Richmond, VA and Surrounding Areas!

For over 20 years, Leak Finders in Richmond, VA has been providing professional, quality plumbing and leak detection services people can count on. Contact us to schedule your appointment today. We can be reached at (804) 867-2114 or online here.

The freezing temperatures and the effect the temperatures have on the water in your pipes can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. Fortunately, you can be proactive and avoid a lot of plumbing issues this season. Here are 5 of the most common winter plumbing problems homeowners face – and how you can avoid them.

1. Clogged Kitchen Drains

With all the cooking going on over the holidays, kitchen sinks take a huge hit. More food waste being sent down the drain often means more clogs are likely to occur. That’s why it’s recommended to avoid throwing leftovers in your sink. Only small scraps of food should go down your garbage disposal. Also, remember to run water when your garbage disposal is on so it can clear out all the food waste.

2. Water Heater Issues

If you’re hosting out-of-town guests this winter, your water heater could experience some issues with the increased traffic. Make sure to wait 10-15 minutes in between showers. This allows your hot water supply to replenish while also giving your drains time to clear out so they don’t clog.

3. Frozen Pipes

Pipes that are located in unheated areas such as your garage, attic, basement or crawlspace are more susceptible to freezing temperature in the winter. You should plan on insulating your pipes so they can withstand the cold winter temperatures. The last thing you need to worry about is a pipe freezing and bursting. Keep in mind that all your pipes could experience freezing – even the ones located inside.

4. Sump Pump Backup

During this time of year, your sump pump is likely to experience increased usage due to all the melting ice and snow. To avoid backups and clogs, you should have your sump pump maintained in the early fall. Maintenance doesn’t stop there though. You will want to make sure you are testing it regularly throughout the winter to ensure it’s working properly.

5. Outdoor Drainage Problems

Over the winter, your outdoor drains could freeze, which can cause damage – especially if your drains are made of plastic. Many homeowners upgrade to metal drains, which are a lot harder to crack and can withstand the buildup of ice a lot better. In the fall, it’s also a good idea to remove leaves and yard debris that may have accumulated in your outdoor drains so you can avoid having to deal with clogs and other problems with drainage in the winter.

Schedule A Plumbing Appointment With Leak Finders Today In Richmond, VA and Surrounding Areas!

For over 20 years, Leak Finders in Richmond, VA has been providing professional, quality plumbing services people can count on. Contact us to schedule your plumbing maintenance, repair, replacement or installation today and we will make sure your plumbing is ready for fall and winter. We can be reached at (804) 867-2114 or online here.

A lot of leaks are easy to spot. It’s hard to ignore spraying water under a sink or a pool of water around your toilet. But there are also a lot of leaks that aren’t easy to spot – like slab leaks. Because they’re hidden behind a layer of concrete, it may be hard to notice at first. To avoid the slab leak injuring your foundation or damaging your home, it’s important to pay attention to any warning signs – no matter how big or small they may seem. Here are 5 tell-tale signs you have a slab leak.

1. Water Bill Increase

Most of the time, your water bill stays pretty consistent. However, if you notice there’s an unexplained spike in your water bill, then this could be cause for concern. A slab leak means that you have water running in your home all day long, 24 hours a day. It would be no wonder why you’d notice a water bill increase if your water is constantly running. It’s important to note that you may find your water bill has increased for reasons other than a slab leak, but it doesn’t hurt to have it checked out by a professional plumber to be sure.

2. Decreased Water Pressure

Having low water pressure can be extremely frustrating, and make simple tasks, like showering and washing dishes, much longer to complete. While there are many reasons you may be experiencing decreased water pressure, slab leaks is one of the most common ones. One way to test this theory is to turn off all your fixtures and look at your water meter. If your water meter still runs, then you may have a slab leak on your hands.

3. Mold or Mildew Smells

Mold thrives in moist, humid and dark environments. That being said, if you have water leaking underneath your home, then it’s not uncommon for moisture to get trapped under your floors. If not addressed, this could cause mold and mildew to grow. Sometimes, mold can go undetected for months but other times, the musty smell permeates throughout the home that it becomes hard to ignore. Mold can not only be dangerous to your health, but it could also cause extensive damage to your home and belongings.

4. Damp or Warped Floors

Leaks that are severe enough can cause damage to the flooring. You may find that your floors appear damp or warped. If you have carpet, be mindful of unexplained damp areas. On the other hand, if you have hardwood or laminate flooring, be aware of any warped appearance. These can be true tell-tale signs of a slab leak.

5. Water Seeping Under or Around Your Foundation

If you notice water seeping under or around your foundation, then it could mean you have a slab leak. Especially if it’s a dry day and there’s no water source nearby (such as a hose), then you shouldn’t notice any water around your foundation.

Schedule Professional Slab Leak Repair Services With Leak Finders Today In Richmond, VA and Surrounding Areas!

For over 20 years, Leak Finders in Richmond, VA has been providing professional, quality slab leak repair services people can count on. Contact us to schedule your appointment today. We can be reached at (804) 867-2114 or online here.

Why Does My Toilet Keep Clogging?

If you’re dealing with recurrent toilet problems, you may be desperate for a solution at this time. Knowing the true cause can get you one step closer to solving the issue. There are many reasons your toilet might be clogging. Let’s dig in to what those are!

1. Old Age

Your toilet might just be old and not able to keep up! If you have an older, low flow model, it undoubtedly lacks the right pressure needed to clear material through the drain. This can definitely lead to repeated clogs. If you have an older toilet, it might be time to look into replacing it with a newer model.

2. Using Too Much Toilet Paper

Using too much toilet paper can cause the toilet to clog. While your toilet is can handle toilet paper, too much of it isn’t a good thing.  If you or someone in your home is using a lot of toilet paper in a single flush, it’s time to stop that habit. If your clog is a result of too much toilet paper being used, this will without a doubt, fix that problem.

3. Non-Flushable Items Are Being Flushed

To avoid frequent clogs, it’s important to know what is flushable and what is not flushable. To put it simply, waste and toilet paper should be the only things you’re flushing down the toilet. In fact, even “flushable” wipes aren’t the best for your plumbing system. Other non-flushable items like paper towels, cotton balls, feminine products, and hair also don’t belong in the toilet.

4. A Clog In The Sewer Line

Have you plunged your toilet repeatedly only to find that your toilet continues to clog, no matter what you do? You may have a clog deeper down that you cannot see – like in your sewer line. It’s possible the drain is obstructed further down, making it impossible for material to move through it. A lot of times, this is a problem that needs professional assistance.

5. Clogs In The Toilet Trap

Last but not least, you may have a clog in the toilet trap. A common toilet trap that is installed is called an S trap. This built-in trap is what keeps the bowl partially filled. It also helps prevent sewer gases from coming out of your septic system. However, when debris gets trapped and clogged inside, it can cause a back up. Using too much toilet paper, or flushing non-flushable items can cause this problem.

Schedule Professional Plumbing Services With Leak Finders Today In Richmond, VA and Surrounding Areas!

For over 20 years, Leak Finders in Richmond, VA has been providing professional, quality plumbing services people can count on. Contact us to schedule your appointment today. We can be reached at (804) 867-2114 or online here.