Leak Detection in Mentone, CA

Local conditions in Mentone

Mentone is an unincorporated foothill community east of Redlands, on the south bank of the Santa Ana River along SR-38. The City of Redlands has provided water to the Redlands and Mentone area for more than 90 years, but some Mentone parcels receive Redlands water and sewer through case-by-case out-of-agency service agreements, so service can vary by address. Check your bill to see who to call if water is surfacing at the meter or in the street.

Because Mentone is unincorporated San Bernardino County, permits for leak repairs are a county matter; check with San Bernardino County about what your repair needs. The plumber you're connected with can help with that step.

Mentone's foothill setting means colder nights than the valley floor, and occasional frost can crack exposed hose bibs and pipes. Homes here are typically on slabs, so under-floor supply leaks are a common search too.

Leak sources compared

Signs to watch for

• The meter moves with everything turned off
• Water sounds in walls or under floors at night
• Damp drywall, musty odors or stained ceilings
• A wet patch outdoors during dry weather

Timing and seasonal notes

After a cold snap, check exposed pipes and hose bibs once temperatures rise, since that's when frost cracks start to leak. In summer, a strip of lawn that stays green while the rest browns is a strong sign of a buried line leak. After a heavy winter storm, wait for dry ground before judging a wet spot. Year-round, comparing your bill with the same month a year earlier is a better test than comparing it with last month, because irrigation swings so much with the seasons. A plumber can also check your pressure while on site, since excess pressure shortens the life of valves and hoses.