Not to get technical on you, but if a water leak really is “hidden,” doesn’t that mean it can be difficult at best to locate it?  Yes, and no.  The trick is to know what to look for, and where.

Take a leaky kitchen faucet, for example.  There’s one you don’t have to hunt down.  It’s staring at you boldly in the face, saying “stop me if you can.”  But here are a few that require a little detective work:

• Refrigerator – From time to time, move your refrigerator away from the wall. That way, you’re far more likely to spot small pools of water which, if left unchecked, can eventually seep into your floor boards and inflict damage on sub-flooring, walls, and ceilings.  If water comes in contact with electricity, even worse problems can erupt.

• Toilets – If you have a toilet tank that likes to refill itself even when no one’s flushed, chances are it has a hairline leak on the tank wall below the water line. To find out, put a drop or two of food coloring inside the tank and let it be for about 30 minutes.  Then come back and check the bowl.  If you see the same color of tinged water, voila, you’ve confirmed your suspicion.

• Slab Leak – Let’s say you have a downstairs family run with a carpet over concrete, and one day your bare foot encounters a wet spot. Yes, one of your kids could have spilled a liquid.  Or, it could be a sign of an under-floor water leak.  This one could take the skill and resources of a plumber to figure out.

Not only can hidden water leaks cause structural damage to your home, spark an electrical fire, and even lead to problems with mold and mildew, they also can cause you waste tons of water before finally catching on when you see your next water bill, grossly inflated from what its norm. To prevent any kind of worst case scenario, contact Boden Plumbing at the first indication that something is leaking somewhere.  We’ll find it for you, using such tools as electronic leak detectors when the eye test isn’t sufficient to the task. You’ll also receive a guaranteed upfront price for any needed repair work along with our 100% satisfaction guarantee.  At Boden, it’s all in a day’s work.

Okay, so maybe the entire universe is NOT already clued in on the whole life hack thing, and what exactly that means.  So, straight from the top of page 1 of Google, let’s call a life hack “a strategy or technique adopted in order to manage one’s time and daily activities in a more efficient way.”

The dog days of summer are officially in full swing, and everyone is looking for ways to beat the summer heat while having fun. So whether you’re a titan of thriftiness, or simply like a good tip that makes your life a little easier, here are 8 summertime life hacks that are sure to keep you cool, comfortable, and even help you save a few bucks.

1. Catch that Drip – There’s nothing like enjoying a cool treat on a hot summer day. But melting popsicles sure can make things messy. Next time, position a cupcake liner at the base of a popsicle to catch the dripping juice so your fingers don’t have to.

2. A Fruity Container – Wow your guests – or just your kids – with a cool beverage container. Simply slice off the top of a watermelon, hollow it out, and insert a spigot into the side. Then fill with your favorite drink and replace the lid.

3. Clever Disguise – Wondering how to keep your valuables safe and secure while at the beach or pool? Use an empty and cleaned out sun block bottle! Just cut a hole at the bottom of the bottle large enough for your credit cards, cash, or even phone to fit through and toss it into your tote or duffel bag.

4. Itch Control – Nothing ruins a fun-filled day outside faster than pesky mosquito bites. But you can calm the itching and reduce swelling with something you already have at home – tooth paste. Just dab a little tooth paste onto the bite and get back outdoors.

5. Soothe the Burn – Spent a little too much time in the sun? Ease the pain of sunburn with cooling aloe. Pour aloe vera juice into an ice cube tray and freeze for an always-ready cooling solution.

6. Condiment Caddy – Adhere contact paper to the sides of a cardboard six-pack container and fill the compartments with condiments, napkins, utensils, or anything else you need for your next summer barbecue.

7. Flies-Be-Gone – Tired of having your outdoor dining experience ruined by pesky flies? Next time, place bowls of lemon halves topped with cloves on the table to ensure a fly-free meal.

8. We All Scream for Ice Cream – It doesn’t take much for your favorite flavor to fall victim to freezer burn. But you can prevent those ice crystals from forming and make your sweet treat easier to scoop by placing the container in a zip-top freezer bag.