Common Plumbing Leaks That You May Experience in Your Home

A plumbing leak can quickly cause expensive water damage, especially if it goes untreated. Some leaks are easy to spot, like a dripping Tap, while others require a closer inspection.
Landlords and property managers should be familiar with the most common leaks in order to take preventative measures. Learn about the following plumbing leaks that you may experience: 1. Pipe Leaks.
Water Heater Leaks
A water heater leak can affect your home by causing damage to drywall and other surfaces. Leaks can also create foul odors like a musty or rotten egg smell. If you notice puddles or damp spots around your water heater, it’s time to call in the professionals for an inspection and repair.
Water leaks can appear at the top of your water heater due to cold and hot water inlet and outlet connections that can corrode or loosen over time. Leaks can also appear at the drain valve which is designed to release moisture but may become faulty over time and begin leaking.
A water heater can also be prone to mineral buildup in the glass tank which will cause it to develop cracks and leak. A sacrificial anode rod can help protect the tank by attracting corrosion products but will eventually disappear and require replacement. A leak at the drain pan can often be fixed by tightening the valve or removing and replacing the drain pan.
Toilet Leaks
A leaking toilet is one of the most unwelcome surprises that a homeowner can face. Water waste from a faulty bowl or tank can rot subfloors, underlayments and framing and cause nasty mold and mildew problems. It can also lead to costly repair bills if left untreated.
The most common type of toilet leak is from a worn-out flapper valve at the bottom of the tank that fails to seal correctly. A new flapper is a cheap and easy fix that can prevent this type of leak.
Other types of toilet leaks include water supply line leaks and internal toilet tank leaks. These can occur around the shut-off valve or from a damaged gasket or fill valve. These can often be corrected with a little tinkering and may involve replacing the supply line or valve. Internal leaks can be more challenging to find and fix, but prompt remediation is essential to avoid expensive repair costs down the road.
Tap Leaks
Leaky Taps may seem minor nuisances, but they can add up to hundreds of gallons of water waste and cost you money in the long run. Also, the constant dripping can increase moisture in your home and lead to mold and mildew problems.
This type of leak usually happens at the connection points of your piping system. It is important to inspect and tighten all these connections regularly. This will help to avoid future leaks and costly repairs.
The most common cause of this kind of leak is due to a dry or cracked O-ring. This part connects the valve seat to the spout and is vulnerable to water sediment buildup.
The first step to identifying and fixing this type of leak is to shut off the water supply. This can be done by turning the knobs on the shut-off valves under the sink clockwise. Then you can remove the handle, packing nut and stem to expose the internal parts of the Tap. Clean these parts with white vinegar to prevent further buildup and reduce the risk of leaking.
Pipe Leaks
Pipe leaks may not seem like a big deal, but they can cause extensive water damage over time. They can also be extremely dangerous to your home’s interior and personal belongings. Water from leaking pipes can dissolve paint and wallpaper, warp wood and flooring, and discolor your walls and ceilings. Leaking pipes can even lead to a mold infestation.
Over time, metal pipes can corrode due to constant exposure to water and air. This creates small pinhole leaks in the pipes that can eventually get worse. You can tell there’s a leak in your pipe if you notice unexplained water puddles or a musty smell.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to call a professional plumber right away. The longer a leak goes unrepaired, the more damage it can do to your home. A plumber can inspect your plumbing system and fix the leaks before they get worse. They can also provide preventative maintenance and regular inspections to keep your pipes in tip-top shape. For more information on plumbing or the types of plumbing services, sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-geelong/ can give you a lot of resourceful information.