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4 ways to find hidden water leaks

All homes require water as long as it flows through pipes and the drainage system. However, if there are hidden water leaks, they might result in severe damage if not repaired on time. While obvious signs such as water stains make it easy to spot the leak, it is sometimes insidious, making it challenging to find and fix. Here are 4 ways to find hidden water leaks and take remedial action in time.

Check the water bill
Most households get a water bill that is fairly consistent every month. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a household of four persons will generally use 12,000 gallons per month. Exceptions are warmer weather or when lawns and gardens have to be watered regularly. However, if the water bill suddenly becomes unusually high, it may be a sign of water leakage. Even a small leak, like a faucet dripping steadily, can cause about 10,000 gallons of water to be wasted per year. Thus, monitoring the water bill is a useful practice to keep a check on water leaks.

Conduct a water meter test
Another effective way to find hidden water leaks is a water meter test. To do this, turn off all the faucets, showers, and water sources around the house. Once this is done, check the readings in the water meter. If there is a water leak, the meter will keep on running. The change in readings may not be obvious immediately, especially if it is a slow-running leak. So, it is recommended to check the meter after a couple of hours.

Look for patches of greener grass
For homes with lawns and yards, checking for grass patches that are greener than the rest is a helpful hack to look for hidden leaks. If a part of the lawn is more lush and green than the rest, it may be because of leakage in one of the buried water lines. If the leak is quite heavy, a few puddles may also form on the ground surface.

Check fixtures and appliances around the house
This step can be done in case the water meter test shows a leak. Make sure to check all cabinets under the sinks of the kitchen, laundry, and bathroom for wet patches. Check for puddles around bathtubs, showers, and toilets. In addition, look below the dishwasher, clothes washer, and water heater to check whether water is pooling underneath.

5 easy home improvement hacks to try today

Home improvement projects are exhausting but can be extremely fun if they are thought through and well-researched. If you want to do some renovation or add a new touch to your home, we recommend starting with something small and seeing how far your DIY skills and ambition take you. Of course, the skyâs the limit but letâs start with your door for now. Here are some easy home improvement hacks that you can try. Statement doors This is the first thing anyone notices about your home, so wouldnât it make sense to work your DIY magic here? Statement doors are a rage right now, and the beauty of it is that while itâs in style, you donât have to follow any particular style or design. Just go with what resonates with your home decor style. Color it bright, add an expensive door knob, make it look vintage - endless choices to make a statement in your home. Lighting This is very important. Make sure you invest time, money, and energy into adding warmth and ambiance to your home with just the right lighting. The lamps are great; hanging lights are super, too - ensure you can create a comforting and homely vibe. Wouldnât it be lovely if your guests felt right at home when they visited? Paint color and texture This doesnât have to be too much. Unless, of course, you are looking to follow any particular theme, a well-painted home does combine everything. If youâre not a fan of any textured walls, pick a pastel, calming color that you can add to your wall. Accessorize the wall with the right paintings, wall hangings, and shelves, and you have an elegant setup. Flooring Youâd be surprised at how much character this adds to your home. You can choose several options like wooden, marble, or tiles and decide what theme you would like to go for. Of course, you also must consider factors like budget, cleanliness, accessibility, and such. The marble looks great but costs a fortune! Wood adds a beautiful rustic feel, but it can be prone to termites, or if you live in a humid region, it may spoil the wood. So, pick wisely. Window treatments This is a great idea to add some pop of color to otherwise plain wall paint. You can try out just using bright, bold colors or even look at painting the windows with some design.Â

7 pest control mistakes and how to avoid them

Effective pest control is critical to maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment. Pests can cause a lot of damage to a homeâs foundation, floors, and walls. It helps eliminate insects impacting the house's integrity and its occupantsâ health. Effective pest management is a multifaceted endeavor that requires diligence, preventative measures, and, at times, the expertise of professionals. By sidestepping these pitfalls, individuals can create a pest-free environment that promotes health, comfort, and peace of mind. Neglecting preventative measures One of the most common pitfalls in pest control is underestimating the power of prevention. Waiting until pests become a visible problem can lead to a more challenging and costly battle. Simple steps like sealing cracks, ensuring proper drainage, and maintaining a clean living space can go a long way in deterring pests from entering in the first place. Overlooking regular inspections Regular inspections are the cornerstone of effective pest control. Unfortunately, many homeowners skip this crucial step, only seeking professional help when the situation has escalated. Implementing routine checks, both indoors and outdoors, allows for early detection and intervention, minimizing the potential damage caused by pests. Improper identification of pests Misidentifying pests is a common oversight in pest control. Different pests require different approaches for effective elimination. Using the wrong treatment method for a particular pest can be not only ineffective but may also be detrimental to the environment or even harmful to humans and pets. Misusing chemicals and treatments Resorting harsh chemicals without adequately understanding their application can have unintended consequences. Overusing or misusing pesticides can pose health risks to residents and pets and lead to environmental harm. It's crucial to follow label instructions meticulously and, if you need help, seek professional advice on proper application. Ignoring natural predators In nature, many pests have natural predators that help keep their populations in check. Encouraging these natural enemies can be an effective form of pest control. For example, ladybugs are known to devour aphids, while birds and certain insects feed on various pests. Creating a welcoming environment for these predators can be an eco-friendly and sustainable approach to pest management. Failing to address the root cause Merely treating the symptoms of a pest infestation without addressing the underlying cause is a common misstep. Identifying and rectifying the conditions that attract pests in the first place, such as excess moisture, food sources, or clutter, is crucial for long-term success in pest control. Disregarding professional advice Seeking professional advice and assistance is a pivotal step in effective pest control. However, some homeowners may resist or disregard expert recommendations. Professionals bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, offering tailored solutions based on the pest issue and the home's unique characteristics.