Plumbing leaks create an absolute nightmare if left unchecked. They are a serious issue and can lead to significant damage and repair costs. If you’re a homeowner (or even just renting), you may want to educate yourself on some common reasons for plumbing leaks. Doing so helps you spot problems before they get out of hand. During Fix a Leak Week, make a checklist to find and fix plumbing problems in your home. Here are some of the most common reasons you may see water leaking throughout your home:
• Corrosion or rust-Both of these forms of corrosion advance quickly once they begin. They are caused by age, water quality, or chemical reactions. While newer PVC plumbing won’t rust or corrode, the fixtures themselves can. Corroded plumbing needs to be fixed immediately to prevent further damage.
• Cracks- Cracks are not as common in newer plumbing materials, but they still happen. On the other hand, cracks in plumbing fixtures are common and necessitate replacement of the fixture.
• Leaky joints- Over time, the joints connecting your plumbing degrade naturally. A leaking joint will cause a drop in water pressure and eventually a more severe leak. This issue is a bit harder to find as the joints are typically encased within walls. Checking your water meter may clue you in to a hidden leak.
• Unnecessary water pressure-Too much pressure in your plumbing pipes can cause leaks. If your faucets and plumbing fixtures are leaking erratically, the pressure in your pipes is likely too high.
• Faulty faucet- It is common for faucets to break. They have a lot of moving parts. Leaky faucets can be fixed easily with a new faucet head, aerator, plumbers tape, or by tightening up the parts.
• Toilet leaks- Toilet leaks occur because of any number of factors. Some repairs, like a loose chain in the tank or a continually running toilet, are easy to fix. Others require more finesse. Use food coloring to find the leak’s origin, and call a plumber if it is something you can’t handle.
• Washing machine or dishwasher leaks-Washing machine leaks are common because the fixtures corrode just as other plumbing fixtures do. Loose connections can cause leaks around the hoses or washing machine itself. A faulty seal in the door usually causes a leaky dishwasher. These seals degrade over time due to chemical buildup, but they are fairly easy to replace.
Spring is around the corner, so now is the time to thoroughly check your home for leaks that may have developed over the winter. Your pipes go through a lot of stress during the winter, especially when the temperature frequently drops below freezing. Do a walk-through of your home, inside and outside, and see if you can spot any of the problems discussed in this post. If you find any leaks without an obvious source, consult with a professional at Eco Plumbers in Columbus for an in-home inspection today!
