Is your water bill on the rise for no apparent cause? You might be hearing water run even with all the faucets in the house off. Then there is the matter of a damp spot on the ceiling you did not see there a week ago.
All of these point to a plumbing leak, and they are costly affairs in Central Florida if left to their own devices. We have been in the business of putting an end to hidden leaks for the homeowners of Orlando, Tampa and environs since 1976 at Frank Gay Services. A call to (407) 204-0430 is in order if you have any misgivings.
You can count on a plumbing leak to stay quiet. It will do its damage behind a wall or under a slab before a puddle makes its presence known. Being aware of the signs is the best way to avoid thousands of dollars in repairs.
Higher Water Bills Than Usual
When the bill comes in higher and you have not used more water, that is one of the first things to put you on notice. Even a modest leak will run up the tab by hundreds of gallons in a month. Should your bill continue to go up while your usage does not, the water is going where it ought not to.
Put a couple of months of bills next to each other; an unexplained upward trend is ample reason to get your plumbing looked at.
Signs of a Hidden Leak
Before you see any damage, some leaks will make their case in more subtle ways. Be on the lookout for:
- Discoloration, stains or dampness on the floors, walls and ceilings
- An odor of mustiness that won’t dissipate
- Running water when nothing is on
- Unusual warmth on the floor from a hot water line leaking under the slab
- An abrupt drop in pressure
- Wallpaper that is bubbling or paint peeling
- Mold and mildew in places that are unduly damp
- A lingering musty smell
In the humidity we have here, small leaks become large ones in no time, so don’t put it off.
Why Leaks Are Common in Central Florida Homes
Plumbing in this part of the state is under more strain. The concrete slabs many of our homes are constructed on allow pipes to be out of sight beneath the foundation. Add in hard water and the minerals it leaves behind to erode fittings and you have a problem in the making. Humidity will hasten the damage and promote mold. In older properties the pipe materials themselves may be past their prime and prone to corrosion. And the noise of cooling systems in use can cover up a slow leak. It is wise to give your plumbing some attention.
The Cost of Doing Nothing
It can look like a minor thing but the damage is cumulative. Water will work its way into the insulation, drywall and wood and compromise the structure. A drip left to itself can rot the subflooring and cabinets, not to mention devalue the home.
Mold is a particular worry in Florida. Once it has made a home of your walls or what is under the floor, getting rid of it is a costly proposition. You would be better off nipping a leak in the bud.
If You Think There Is a Leak
Turn off the water and have a look at the meter. If it is moving, you have a leak. But to pinpoint it, particularly if it is in a wall or under a slab, requires the right equipment.
Frank Gay Services is there to handle it. We quote you a price and that is what you pay, with no dispatch or service call fees. We have the parts on hand to see 93 per cent of the job done right then and there. Our work is backed by a 100 per cent satisfaction guarantee and as a licensed and insured company we are at your disposal 24/7, since a leak will not wait for convenient hours.
Call Frank Gay Services
There is no need for a small leak to become a major repair. For the rising bills and damp spots in Orlando, Tampa and throughout Central Florida, our team is at the ready, with expert leak detection to pinpoint the problem fast. We have been at it since 1976 and are here around the clock.
To put your mind at ease and shield your home from water damage, call us at (407) 204-0430.
