’Tis the season to check for leaks and cracking
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Feb. 22, 2022) — As the weather warms and the flowers bloom, it’s a great opportunity to inspect what damage winter and rains may have wrought.
It’s essential to check for leaks. One weekend day, turn off all water usage in your home, including faucets, toilets, dishwasher and washing machine. Read your water meter immediately, then check again in two hours. If the usage increased noticeably, you have a leak that needs addressing.
Another DIY option is to put a few drops of food coloring into each toilet tank and wait 25 minutes. If there is any color in the bowl, there is definitely a leak.
Tree roots and the Bay Area’s fault lines can also wreak havoc this time of year. Check for cracks in the concrete around your home, including the driveway, foundation and siding. Finally, check all interior walls and ceilings for any new signs of cracking.
If you have large trees on your property, you may want to contact an arborist to look for disease, dead branches or heaving roots creeping toward the foundation or uplifting walkways.
I hope everybody is enjoying the warmer weather. It sure is gratifying to see all the wildflowers and butterflies back at the park.
Scott Denslow is the owner of Safe at Home Inspection Service. He is an InterNACHI and ASHI certified inspector who has 66+ five-star ratings on Yelp. Contact him at scott@safeathomellc.com. For more info visit www.safeathomellc.com.