Infographic created by Conway Services, an air conditioning company
You typically don’t think about the utility lines that run throughout your home. They’re out of sight, so they’re usually out of mind. However, being hidden in your walls or under countertops means any problems you have with them have the opportunity to cause serious problems. A leaking drainpipe under your sink will continue to drip whether or not you’re aware of it, but you’re sure to notice it when your water bill comes in the mail. It’s estimated that even a small leak in the average homeowner’s plumbing can result in a 10% increase in their monthly utility bill.
Natural gas leaks can be an even more serious concern, as they can create an extremely dangerous situation when left unchecked. Every year, an average of 17 fatalities and $133 million in property damage are caused by incidents involving gas leaks. For these reasons, it’s crucial that homeowners pay attention to signs of leaking pipes and utility lines. It’s also a good idea to do a check of all the most likely places for these leaks to appear on a regular basis.
For example, your kitchen contains a number of places where leaks are likely to occur. You should look behind your oven or stove to make sure the gas lines are intact and securely connected. Dishwashers, refrigerators, and sinks need to be examined for any indications of water dripping out of them. Elsewhere in your house, you need to look closely at your water heater as well as your fireplace. On top of that, it’s important to look around outlets and switches for any outside air that could be getting inside your house and hurting the efficiency of your HVAC system.
Leaks might look like small problems on the surface, but they can add up to much larger concerns in a hurry. To learn more about how to look for them and what you should do when you find them, see the accompanying resource.
