
(PHOENIX)– Checking your water usage during a colder month is the perfect time to spot a leak. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, if a family of four exceeds 12,000 gallons per month, it’s very likely there are serious leaks.
“While some leaks are obvious – like water under the sink or around the toilet – others are more difficult to pinpoint,” says Mike Donley, president of Donley AC & Plumbing. “They can be in your floor, walls and ceiling.”
Failing to spot and stop leaks can cost homeowners more in the long run.
Mold, mildew and odor
· Damp areas can cause a musty odor, and standing water can lead to mildew and mold remediation and repairs.
Foundation cracks
· Cracks are not unusual because a house will settle after many years. But if cracks come on suddenly, you may have a leak. Left untreated, the water can weaken foundations.
Damaged ceilings and walls
· Water can stain and bubble ceilings and warp drywall.
Monitoring your water bill can signal a problem and you can also test your water meter. Turn off the water both in and outside your home, and make sure the water is not being used for landscaping. Then, check the meter. If it’s still running, you have a leak.
The experts at family-owned Donley AC & Plumbing are available to discuss how to handle the most common and uncommon leaks.
Water leak stats from the Environmental Protection Agency:
· Leaks in an average household can account for nearly 10,000 wasted gallons every year.
· Ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day.
· Easily corrected leaks can save homeowners about 10 percent on their water bills.
About Donley AC & Plumbing
Jim and Mike Donley and their employees have been providing honest, caring service to Arizonans since 1976. Family-owned Donley Service Center has twice been honored with the Better Business Bureau’s Ethics Award. Donley technicians receive ongoing training to provide the most comprehensive service for air conditioning, plumbing, heating, sewer repair, maintenance management and solar hot water. www.donleyservice.com