Blog

ACME News

Santa Barbara Water Leak Report Summer 2019

Santa Barbara Water Leak Report Summer 2019

It’s another Santa Barbara Summer. The rains are long gone and many local water restrictions are still in place. Water should only be appearing in intentional spots. However, we’ve already seen quite a few preventable water leaks this season and we hope this list saves a few Santa Barbarans from unnecessary water damage this summer.

Water Connections

Make sure all your water line connections are firmly attached. In Santa Barbara, the most common places connections break are:

Toilet supply lines

Toilet water supply line

This is usually a braided steel or plastic line that connects your home’s water to the toilet tank via a compression fitting. The most common place for a water leak is at this fitting. In Santa Barbara, this supply line is usually found on the lower left hand corner of your toilet bowl. Connections should be snug, usually hand tight will do. No water should ever be dripping from it.

The hook up to your washing machine

Washing  machine water supply line leak

This hook up is usually a rubber hose that connects from the back of your washing machine into the water line behind it. This fitting should be tightened with a wrench and should also never be wet. If you keep finding water, even minor amounts, around this fitting, it is most likely leaking and needs to be replaced.

Tie-ins to your fridge, freezer, or dishwasher

Ice Box, Water Dispenser, or Dishwasher Supply line-Just a small twist can save you from a nightmare. Even minor drips over time can result in your floors having to be ripped up and your walls taken out. Make sure your connections aren’t loose (“lefty loosey — righty tighty”), and that the sealing washer is flat. If it is not fully in place, leaks can occur.

Toilet Tanks!

Toilet tank internal assembly inspection

Check your toilets regularly. In Santa Barbara, many people have switched to high efficiency toilets, but that doesn’t mean they won’t malfunction. When you flush, your tank should be refilling for no longer than one minute(regardless of make or model). If it keeps filling or you continue to hear water running, water is going down the drain. It is a quick fix, requiring only that a new float is installed in your toilet tank, but people often let it go. We see this time and time again, costing a homeowner hundreds of dollars every month.

Over Watering

Keep an eye out for any signs of excess watering. In Santa Barbara, it’s the norm to hand your watering over to a gardener and forget about the whole thing. However, this is still a very arid climate. Even in the shade, moss shouldn’t be growing. Soil shouldn’t be retaining the muddy feel for a few days after watering, even in the shade. If you experience any of these issues, it’s time to reevaluate. You may have a water leak.

Water Softeners

Check your water softeners! These brittle little angle stops and plastic lines connecting water softeners leak all the time! This water is also usually salty. This causes rust and faster corrosion-an even bigger headache! Check your water softener regularly.

Stay Safe Out There!

We hope these tips help. Santa Barbara can’t afford to lose any more water and we need to be diligent in our conservation efforts. In case anyone forgot, Santa Barbara city water customers are encouraged to get a free water check up to assess water usage and identify ways to save water! Call the city at (805) 564-5460 to schedule today.

Related Content

Expensive water utility bill.
ACME News

Why are Santa Barbara Water Bills High?

Santa Barbara water has some of the country’s most expensive. After connection fees, the city’s average water bill is around $120/month. Gary Fuller, the ...

How Much Water Are We Really Using?
ACME News

How Much Water Are We Really Using?

Historically, Montecito’s large lots and estate style homes have consumed the majority of the region’s water supply. This has made Montecitans one of the ...

Top 10 causes of Santa Barbara Water Leaks
ACME News

Top 10 causes of Santa Barbara Water Leaks

Here is Our TOP 10 List 2018 is just around the corner and Santa Barbara water leaks aren’t getting any cheaper. Recent speculation points ...

Five Reasons Santa Barbara has so many Slab Leaks
ACME News

Five Reasons Santa Barbara has so many Slab Leaks

Here is Our TOP 5 List A slab leak is one of the biggest headaches any homeowner can face. It’s damaging to your home. ...