Alarming spikes in your water bill, noticeable condensation, a sudden stench of mildew, and standing water are all symptoms of a water leak. Some leaks are obvious – a dripping faucet, the toilet running, or visible puddles under sinks or near the water heater – others can go undetected for months.
Compared to other major issues faced by Los Angeles homeowners, such as a leaky roof, dead appliances, and electrical problems, a slab leak can be one of the most devastating—it can disturb the structural integrity of your home. The heightened potential for structural damage, along with exorbitant repair costs is the typical outcome. The longer it takes to detect and repair a leak, the higher the risk for significant damage.
If you suspect water leakage or pipe damage, contact the best water leak repair company in LA, Reckon & Reckon Plumbing. We pride ourselves on remedying all of your plumbing, piping, and home water leak repair issues quickly and efficiently.
To get more information on water leak detection and repair in Los Angeles, call us at (818) 659-0429 or Contact Us for a free quote on getting your water leak fixed today.
How to Tell If You Have a Water Leak
The first line of defense when it comes to water leak detection is actually being able to pinpoint leak indicators. This is no easy feat for the untrained eye, as a leak can be the result of issues at the city level or be confined to the structure of your home.
Focusing on the latter, there are a few symptoms that are indicative of a home water leak. The key is to detect them as early as possible to avoid destructive damage.
Signs of a water leak:
- Fluctuations in Water Meter Readings
Significant increases in your water bill over a short period of time or fluctuations in meter readings are a sure sign there is a bigger issue.
- Variations in Water Pressure
A decrease in water pressure or irregular water flow is another warning sign suggesting a leak may be present.
- Growth of Fungus and Mold
If there is moisture, mold will follow. Keep in mind, while mold may be visible, it may not be a direct route to the actual leaking pipe(s).
- Lingering Mildew/Musty Odor
A mildew smell may linger in the air, accompanying any visible mold growth. Regardless of your cleanliness, if there is a stubborn, musty odor, you likely have a hidden water leak.
- Pipe Noises and Sounds
If you have a water leak, you may hear dripping, flowing, or even gushing water within your walls. More specifically, this sound comes at a time when all faucets and appliances are turned off.
Causes of Water Leaks
Now that you’re familiar with the signs that imply a need for water leak repair let’s look at some of the common causes of leaks.
- Worn Plumbing Seals
Plumbing seals start to wear as time goes on. Subsequently, they crack, crumble, or become dislodged, allowing water seepage.
- Neglected Clogs
An untreated clog can cause a water flow back up, and in cases, create enough pressure to rupture pipes.
- Aged Appliances
From corroded or cracked washing machine hoses; damaged wax rings or flanges of a toilet; aged water heater tanks; and damaged supply lines of refrigerators and dishwashers, appliances with antiqued parts are common culprits for leaking water.
- Mother Nature
More prone to happen during the winter, pipes rapidly freeze, expanding and contracting with temperature changes. This increases the chance they will burst due to built-up pressure.
- Human Error
More often than not, people either attempt to tackle water leaks themselves, or hire an inexperienced handyman or unqualified plumber in a pinch, and end up with additional damage or undiagnosed issues.
In any case, it is wise to leave leak detection to a qualified professional.
How to Fix a Water Leak
Water leak detection in Los Angeles can be extremely costly. Depending on the severity of the damage, there are a handful of options to fix leaks:
- Unclog pipes by using a professional grade solution or by “snaking”
- Use plumbing epoxy for small leaks
- Tend to and replace aged parts of appliances
- Replace the damaged portions of any piping
- Contact a plumbing professional when in doubt
Slab Leaks
Similar to other plumbing issues, slab leaks can be a nightmare. They occur when the pipes below the concrete foundation of a home crack, break or burst, making slab leak detection challenging.
Signs and symptoms that a slab leak repair may be necessary are nearly the same as a routine water leak with the addition of other indicators. You want to look for everything from spiked water bills and varied water pressure to acknowledging any mold or odors of mildew, but also take notice of any standing water or puddles near your home in the absence of rain.
Slab leak repair involves three common solutions depending on the severity of the damage:
- Re-pipe the entire pipeline (typical of older homes)
- Replace and reroute new piping, taking it from underground to above ground
- Per the condition of the piping, replace only the damaged, seeping section(s) (this may include the use of epoxy)
Why Hire a Plumber
Attempting to repair your own plumbing issues is tempting, especially with the Internet and platforms like YouTube offering seemingly helpful guides. Some DIYers succeed in repairing water leaks after watching a few videos, but others are not so lucky.
When it comes to the DIY trend, the cons likely outweigh the pros when compared to hiring a licensed plumber.
Pros:
- Our professional water leak detection & repair services are extremely cost-effective
- Our work is guaranteed
- You’ll have peace of mind that the job is done right the first time
- You’ll have assurance that licensures, bonding, local codes, regulations, and insurance requirements are met
- We have technical knowledge and expertise in various areas of plumbing from thousands of plumbing jobs around Los Angeles
Cons:
- Hiring a plumber can be a significant but worthy investment, depending on the size of the job.
Why Choose Us
Providing stellar plumbing services for nearly 100 years, the Reckon & Reckon Plumbing family is proud to serve areas of Los Angeles, including Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, Marina del Rey, Saugus, and Burbank amongst other locales.
With years of experience and expertise, we are equipped to consult or repair any plumbing issues that may affect your home or business.
From home plumbing inspections to leak detection in Los Angeles, Reckon & Reckon is just a call away. Offering free estimates and 24/7 round the clock service (no extra charge for emergencies), contact us for all your plumbing needs – no matter how big or small the issue.
Call (818) 659-0429 or Send us a Message for Your Free Quote Today
