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How to Deal with a Water Heater Gas Leak?

Published on February 28, 2021

How to Deal with a Water Heater Gas Leak

A gas leak anywhere in your home can be incredibly dangerous. You can usually spot a gas leak from a pungent odor coming from near the leak. With appliances that you don’t interact with often, like your water heater, you might not know of the gas leak immediately, which makes a water heater gas leak even more dangerous. However, it’s important to stay calm and try your best to troubleshoot the problem. To help you out, the pros at Leak Finders have prepared a guide on how to deal with a water heater gas leak as soon as possible.

Step-by-Step Guide on Troubleshooting a Water Heater Gas Leak

Take Precautions

Just to be safe, wear a mask to prevent direct exposure to the gas leak.

Locate the Gas Pipe Feeding into Water Heater

Make sure you can pinpoint the gas pipe that is leading into the water heater. Once you do, turn off the main gas pipe by twisting the handle counterclockwise. This might not be able to fix the leak, but it will stop the gas from flowing to the water heater.

Disconnect Gas Line

A flexible gas pipe is the line that attaches the water heater to the main gas valve. You can safely do this by following this guide.

Replace Gas Line

Replace the flexible gas line with a new one. Make sure you purchase the right type from your nearest home improvement store. You can do so by following this guide!

Should I Fix a Gas Leak Myself?

The main question when it comes to fixing the gas leak in your water heater is whether you can do it all by yourself or not. To be honest, this is one of the things that is best left to the professionals! Plumbers and technicians have the right tools and knowledge to fix gas leaks which, let’s not forget, are incredibly dangerous. So, if you’re not experienced in plumbing or are not comfortable taking on big home improvement jobs, it’s best to call a professional to help you out!

Signs of A Gas Leak

As we mentioned before, a pungent odor is one of the main signs of a gas leak. However, there are other signs too such as:

Discolored flowers and grass
Deteriorated and cracked pipes
Hissing or whistling sound from near the gas lines

Health Effects of Gas Leaks

Exposure to these gas leaks can lead to several symptoms such as:

Breathing problems
Headaches and dizziness
Watery eyes
Irritation of the throat
Breathing issues
Blisters on skin on direct contact with liquid gas

Have any more questions about how to deal with water heater gas leaks? Get in touch with the pros at Leak Finders! Our team of professionals will be more than happy to assist you in troubleshooting gas leaks and answering any more of your questions. Call us today at 804-767-3580 or schedule a service with us online!

Find the Best Water Leak Detectors

Published on January 29, 2021

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, average household leaks can account for 10,000 gallons of water lost per year. In addition, 10 percent of homes have leaks that waste up to 90 gallons per day. That’s incredibly wasteful. Which is why it’s important to detect the leaks in your home before they get worse. Normally, leaks are pretty visible, but it’s the ones that are hard to see that you need to watch out for. That’s when leak detectors come in! When it comes to purchasing these devices, it’s important to do a bit of research before you decide which type and brand you want to buy. Luckily, the pros at Leak Finders have done much of the research for you. Check out this guide on the best water leak detectors available.

DIY Leak Detection

Before we get into leak detection devices, it’s important to know some of these simple, cheap DIY leak detection methods!

The Food Coloring Method

This is a helpful trick if you suspect you have a toilet leak, specifically in your toilet tank. Simply put a few drops of food coloring in your tank and see if the coloring appears in your toilet bowl in a few minutes. If you quickly notice some food coloring, you might have a toilet leak.

Check for Wall Discoloration

If you think you have a leak in the pipe fittings behind your wall, keep an eye of any signs of discoloration on your walls or bubbling paint and wallpaper.

Check Your Water Meter

Turn off all water-dependent appliances in your home and all faucets. Check your water meter and mark the numbers on it. Come back in an hour and check the meter again—if you notice the numbers have changed, you might have a water leak!

Best Leak Detectors

If you’re looking for the best leak detectors, here are a few:

The Honeywell Wi-Fi Leak Detector

If you place this leak detector near your sink, washers, water heaters, sump pumps, it will use the sensors at the base of its unit to detect any leaks. Once it senses a leak, it can alert you through your phone. In addition, this leak detector can also detect humidity and temperature changes that could lead to frozen pipes. This detector is $79 and has a battery life of 3 years.

Zircon Leak Alert

You can put this device under sinks, near water heaters, in crawlspaces, near toilets and dishwashers. Once this device gets wet, it will sound an alarm thus indicating a leak right when it begins. This device is battery operated and allows for complete automatic operation. There are various version of this device—some are wi-fi connected, some come with cables. You can look through your options here to find the one best for you!

Flume Smart Home Water Monitor

This is another smart water detector that can easily be connected to your phone and installed without plumbing or wiring. In addition to providing leak related updates, it can also go on vacation mode and work with high efficiency and accuracy. Learn more about this leak detector here! It is slightly more expensive than the last two detectors with a price of $199.

Have more questions about the best water detectors? Call Leak Finders today at 804-767-3580 or schedule a service today.

Which Plumbing Pipes are the Best for Your Home?

Published on November 30, 2020

If you are considering replacing the plumbing pipes in your home, it’s important to know which type of pipes you are going to replace them with. The right plumbing pipes can make a great difference in your water quality and water bill! If you don’t know where to start your research, don’t worry—the pros at Leak Finders are here to help you out! Here is a quick guide on which plumbing pipes are the best for your home.

When You Should Replace Your Pipes

Replacing your pipes is no easy feat – so be sure you need new ones before you decide to replace them. Here is a list of signs that it might be time to replace your plumbing pipes:

Pipe Material

If your home is older, you might have lead pipes, which can be highly dangerous and toxic. Consuming it in small quantities can be dangerous and lead to an unexpected hospital visit. If you have lead pipes, contact your plumber and see what you can do.

Continuous Low Water Pressure

If you have low water pressure, it’s a little difficult to detect the exact problem. However, if you notice that you have been dealing with water pressure problems for a long time, you might have an issue with your pipes. Your plumbing might have leaks, which might lead to mold growth and other major problems.

Remodeling

The best time to replace your pipes, should you decide to do so, is when you’re renovating and remodeling your home. Inspecting your pipes will be more convenient and with a plumber on-site you might have less added cost.

Best Plumbing Pipes

Copper

Copper pipes resist corrosion and heat and have a lifespan of roughly 50 years. If you want metal plumbing, copper pipes might be the best and most durable, though slightly more expensive, option. Copper is best used in water supply lines.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

These pipes are a popular plastic piping option but can only be used for cold water pipes and should generally not be exposed to heat. However, they do not corrode and are much cheaper than metal options. PVC is best for vent and drainpipes.

Polyethylene Cross-linked Pipe (PEX)

This type of pipe is also an affordable plastic pipe and is a very flexible option. It also doesn’t rust or corrode and can be found as a hot water and cold water option. This type of pipe is best for water supply lines.

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

This pipe is like PVC but a little more durable. However, it can’t be exposed to direct sunlight making it a less viable option for many homeowners. ABS pipes are best used for drain, vent and waste pipes.

Have any more questions about which plumbing pipes are the best for your home? Get in touch with the pros at Leak Finders! Call us today at 804-767-3580 or schedule a service with us on our website!

4 Causes of Slab Leaks

Published on October 16, 2020

A slab leak is found below the concrete foundation of your home which protects the plumbing and pipes below from freezing during the winter. If there is a leak in any of these pipes, water will be released below your home’s foundation causing decreased water pressure, damp floors and high water bills. If you want to know how to prevent these slab leaks, it’s important to learn the reasons they might occur. To help with this, the pros at Leak Finders have prepared a list of some of the most common causes of slab leaks.

1. Improper Installation

If the pipes below the concrete foundation of your home were installed improperly or they are of poor quality, leaks will be inevitable. If there were any bends or dents in your pipe during installation, there are higher chances of them bursting and leaking. This is particularly common in copper pipes as they have a higher likelihood of corroding because they are more vulnerable. You might also find that older pipes under older homes have the same issue. Get in touch with your local plumber or leak detection services to ask questions about the pipes underneath your foundation.

2. Abrasion Over Time

During use, pipes tend to wear out and deteriorate over time. They also rub against gravel, concrete and dirt, and this constant friction can further wear them down. This is especially common with hot water pipes—when they expand, they tend to rub against rough materials more. This constant abrasion combined with age and general pressure on pipes can lead to a leak underneath your concrete foundation.

3. High Water Pressure

An increased water pressure can damage pipes in your home, including the ones underneath your home’s concrete slab. This stress on your pipes can lead to slab leaks and if they are left ignored, can increase your water bill, damage your fixtures and reduce your plumbing’s lifespan. Make sure you have your water pressure regulated between 40 and 60 PSI.

4. Water Quality

Having poor water quality and chemistry can also damage your pipes. Having hard or acidic water or having extremely soft or alkaline water can both be damaging and corrosive on your plumbing below the concrete. It’s important to have water with the right pH—ideally between 6.5 and 8.5—so it doesn’t hurt your plumbing and isn’t harmful on your hair or skin.

Want to know more about the various causes of slab leaks? Get in touch with the professionals at Leak Finders. Whether you need help detecting and troubleshooting slab leaks, sewer line leaks, concrete leaks or utility leaks, our team of experts will be more than happy to assist you. We guarantee you the best work at the best price and won’t be happy until all our customers are satisfied! Call us today at 804-767-3580 or schedule a service with us on our website! Our team of high-quality technicians looks forward to hearing from you!

How to Detect a Water Leak Underground

Published on September 18, 2020

If you’re looking for indoor house leaks, you’ll probably have an easier time finding them. Soggy walls, stains and mold build-up are some common signs that indicate there is a leak in your home. But when it comes to leaks in more hidden places, such as underground, it’s a lot harder to detect them. Don’t worry though, because the pros at Leak Finders are here to help! Here is a guide on how to detect a water leak underground.

1. Check Your Water Meter

One of the best ways to check for a hidden or underground leak in your home is to look for any drastic changes in your water meter. Your water meter can either be found in your basement or located near the curb in front of your home in a concrete box marked “water”. Before you check the meter, turn off every faucet and appliance in your home that uses water. Then, lift the lid away from the water meter box (it’s going to be heavy) and look at the meter.

If your water meter has a small dial, that dial is meant to be a leak detector. If it’s still moving after you have turned everything off, water is flowing through the meter, meaning you have leak. If you don’t have this leak detector dial, take a pencil and mark wherever the main dial is pointing. Wait 30 minutes with the water completely off—if you notice that the needle has moved from where you marked, there is a leak somewhere.

2. Check Your Basement and Crawlspaces

If you have a basement, make a habit of checking it for stains, mold and mildew, and any pools of water. Musty smells are also an indicator of the classic underground water leak. If you notice any of these signs or maybe of combination of them, you might be dealing with a hidden underground leak—it’s best to call your plumber when you see these signs.

3. High Water Bills

If your water bill fluctuates a little bit here and there, that isn’t really cause for concern. However, if you notice a major increase in your bill over the last few months or so, there is a chance you have a hidden leak. Make sure you take care of the leak immediately as your water bill could increase exponentially!

4. Yard Sinking

If you notice wet patches in your yard or you find the ground to be sinking, you might have a pretty big underground leak. Don’t ignore it for too long as it can damage your yard and other parts of your home.

Have any more questions about how you can detect a water leak underground? Get in touch with the pros at Leak Finders! Our team of professionals will be more than happy to answer your questions and help you detect and fix any leaks in your home. Call us today at 804-767-3580 or schedule a service with us on our website!

Reasons to Call an Emergency Plumber

Published on August 14, 2020

On good days, plumbing issues can easily be dealt with using some DIY methods and a couple of tools. However, on the not-so-good days, you might have to call an emergency plumber. While that might not sound as appealing, mainly because of how much it can cost, it will certainly benefit your home and plumbing fixtures. Sometimes, it’s best to let the professionals handle a problem, as handling it on your own could make it worse. If you’re not convinced, keep reading. The pros at Leak Finders are here with a list of reasons why you should call an emergency plumber.

1. Risk of Water Damage

If you are dealing with burst pipes or major line leaks, it is best to contact an emergency plumber. There are risks of water damage and eventually mold growth if the leak or burst pipe is not handled properly and professionally. A plumber will have the right tools and knowledge to assess and troubleshoot the problem.

2. Sewage Backup

If there is a major clog in your drain or you are dealing with broken pipes, you might end up dealing with a sewage backup. Signs of backups are gurgling sounds from your drains and odors—if you have a sewage backup, contact an emergency plumber immediately. Sewage backups can be harmful for you and your family’s health. Emergency plumbers will have the right protection against sewage backups.

3. Clogged Drains

Sometimes clogged drains are fairly easy to fix. Usually all it takes is a baking soda and vinegar mixture or a plunger. However, sometimes clogged drains can be really stubborn and, if left ignored, can release odors and be harmful to your plumbing fixtures. Other times, drains might clear out but continue to clog up later. If you notice any of these problems, get in touch with an emergency plumber.

4. Issues with Water Heating

If your hot water heater is too old, is producing rusty water, has water boiling inside it or has leaks around it, you might have to contact a plumber. A problematic water heater can cause a lot of issues and won’t heat your water as quickly or as consistently as you need it to.

5. Toilet Overflow

Yes, an overflowing toilet is just as nightmarish as it sounds. Not only is it a great inconvenience to you and your family, it can also be harmful to your health. The dirty water coming out of your toilet can contain chemicals and bacteria that you do not want to be exposed. If you notice your toilet overflowing, get in touch with an emergency plumber immediately.

Found a reason to call an emergency plumber? Well, look no further than the pros at Leak Finders. Whether you have a utility, slap or sewer line leak, our team of experts will be ready to troubleshoot it in no time. Call us today at 804-767-3580 or schedule a service with us on our website!

5 Signs You Have a Leaking Sewer Line

Published on July 23, 2020

All your plumbing fixture’s drains are connected to your sewer line. So, if there is a leak in the sewer drain, there’s a big task ahead of you. However, it’s not always easy to tell whether you have a leaking sewer line or not. To make it easier for you to keep an eye out for leaks, the pros at Leak Finders have a list of some important signs that indicate you have a leaking sewer line.

1. Odors from Plumbing Fixtures

One of the major indicators of a leaking sewer line is strong odors coming from the drains in plumbing fixtures. These odors are indicative of a cracked drainpipe and you should call a plumber as soon as possible as the odors and gases might be toxic. You should never be smelling a pungent odor daily from your kitchen and bathroom drains.

2. High Water Bill

A consistently high water bill also indicates a leaking or broken sewer line. Before you assume its your sewer line, make sure you inspect other parts of your home for leaks. Make sure you look at your toilet tank, showerhead and bathroom and kitchen faucets for leaks as these are the most common areas. If you don’t find anything, you might want to get in touch with a plumber as this might be a sign of a sewer leak.

3. Mold and Mildew

Wet spots around your home such as in your basement, ceilings, walls and floors can be signs of a broken sewer line. Damp areas can lead to the growth of mold and mildew which can cause damage to your home’s interior, exterior and foundation. In addition, mold can cause allergic reactions, especially in people who have asthma.

4. Clogs

If you notice that more than one plumbing fixture is getting clogged up or dealing with backups, your sewer drain might be broken or clogged up itself. Try unclogging using DIY methods such as a baking soda, vinegar and hot water mixture or using a plunger or drain snake. If the clogs are particularly stubborn, contact a plumber who can inspect your sewer lines.

5. Soggy Lawn

Signs of a broken drain or burst pipe don’t just show up indoors—they can show up on your front lawn as well. During these hotter months, your front lawn should be dry. However, if you notice it is particularly soggy throughout the day (in addition to smelling bad) chances are there is a leak in your sewer line. If ignored, this can attract insects and rodents which can bring diseases and wreak havoc on your landscape.

There is no one sign that can indicate a sewer leak. If you see a few signs here and there, you should trust your instincts and get in touch with a plumber who can inspect your drains. This way, you can prevent issues in the future and get peace of mind. If you have more plumbing questions, get in touch with the pros at Leak Finders! Call us today at 804-767-3580 or schedule a service online!

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