Check for Leaks After Earthquakes and Aftershocks

When there's an earthquake, underground pipes in the home shift and move.

The same is true with the plumbing for swimming pools. When pipes move, that's when there's a potential danger for water and gas leaks. And if they are left untreated not only are leaks hazardous to your health but hazardous to property. So it's important for homeowners to check for leaks after earthquakes and aftershocks.

1. Homeowners should know the location of all emergency shut off valves, including gas and water.
2. Make sure the main house shut off valve is in good working order. A failed shut off valve will not stop the water flow.
3. All shut off valves should be tagged so they are easy to find. As you go over the emergency plan with family members, everyone should know how to turn these valves off. In the event of an earthquake, you should turn off these main valves until it can be determined that there are no leaks in the gas or water lines.

After an earthquake, how to tell if you have a leak:

The first and easiest way to tell if you have a leak is to listen for water running.

• Do you hear water running when everything is turned off?
• Does your water meter continue to spin when everything is turned off?
• Have you noticed a hot spot underneath the floor? Are your animals suddenly sleeping in new areas of the home? (They like the warmth generated by a hot water pipe leak!)
• Is your pool losing water?
• And if your next water bill or gas bill is higher than normal, there most likely is an undetected leak.

Leak problems may also take some time to develop so continued weekly followup should happen during the weeks following an earthquake.

Homeowner's Insurance:

• Be sure and find out if you have earthquake coverage with your homeowner insurance company. If you don't, any related structural or water damage caused to the home may not be covered.
• Most homeowners have basic insurance that covers the home, but not a blanket policy that includes a swimming pool or anything outside the walls of the house. Without a blanket policy, the insurance company may not pay for repairs to the pool deck, underground plumbing, or pool structure.

If you suspect a leak resulting from an earthquake or aftershock, call your local Canadian Leak Detection office right away.