19 Jun Plumbing Leak Detection: Protect Your Home & Save Money
The last thing anyone wants to know is that a small leak has led to massive water damage or damage to your foundation. Plumbing leak detection is a critical aspect of home maintenance, yet many homeowners overlook its importance.
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Unnoticed leaks can lead to significant water damage, mold growth, and higher water bills. In this blog, we aim to highlight the importance of plumbing leak detection and its benefits to homeowners. From early water leak detection to cost savings, this article will help you understand why it’s crucial to stay on top of leak detection in your home.
What Is The Most Common Water Leak Within A House?
The most common water leaks in a house are:
- water heater leak
- slab leak
- pipe leak
- sink leak
- shower leak
A water heater leak or slab leak may be harder to detect, but homeowners usually notice dripping sink faucets & shower heads. Now while that may not sound too scary, they may be indicators that a more serious plumbing issue is at hand. At the minimum, you should contact a trusted plumber for plumbing leak detection services.
Shower Leak & Faucet Leak
So now that we know that shower leaks & faucet leaks are the most common forms of plumbing leaks, let’s explain the possible causes. Most of the time, it’s due to a failing seal, which can be a simple fix. But, on the other hand, it could also be due to the following:
- Clogged pipes (which can lead to flooding and or pipes bursting).
- Improperly installed faucet/shower head.
- Corrosion in the faucet.
- High water pressure.
It’s important to reach out for plumbing leak detection services and ensure there isn’t more to the issue. Ignoring such a “minor” leak could lead to a larger issue leaving you with water damage. On the other hand, repairing this will lead to savings on your water bill if it’s just a busted seal.
Water Heater Leak
The most common causes of water heater leaks are faulty hot and cold water connections, loose gaskets, damaged drain valves, and tank corrosion. These problems can often be fixed by tightening or replacing parts and restoring the water heater’s full functionality.
While some of these can be resolved yourself, it’s important to have a plumbing professional come out. Proper plumbing leak detection ensures no other issues or water damage to your property.
Slab Leak
Building homes on concrete slab foundations became widespread after 1945 due to its speed and cost-effectiveness. In this method, a concrete slab 4″ to 6″ thick, fortified with rebar, is poured directly onto a prepared surface with plumbing running beneath. In comparison, older homes may be on piers or beams.
However, when plumbing joints leak or pipes break apart from corrosion (even copper piping can experience corrosion) beneath the slab, it can result in slab leaks – a major problem. In addition, water flowing under the house can erode the soil, diminishing support for the slab and causing crevices.
This erosion can result in severe water damage to your flooring, walls, furniture, & appliances. Slab leak repair is a complicated task that cannot be done as a DIY plumbing project. To fix a slab leak, trained professionals will need to remove parts of your concrete foundation to access the leak/plumbing system that needs repair.
Warning signs of a slab leak:
- A moving water meter dial when water isn’t in use.
- Visible standing water surrounding your house.
- Cracks in your baseboard or walls.
- Damp & warm flooring.
- Unusually low water pressure.
If you’re experiencing this, immediately call for professional slab leak detection services.
Pipe Leak
Leaking pipes are a common source of water damage in homes. Ignoring a leak can result in costly repairs for fixtures and fittings, harm the home’s structure, and foster mold growth, which can spread quickly after a leak. Therefore, it’s important to take immediate action when dealing with a leak to prevent further harm. The best form of action is through plumbing leak detection services.
What Happens If You Leave A Leak?
If a leak is left unaddressed, it can have many negative consequences, including:
- Increased water bill
- Wet or damp spots on floors, walls, or ceilings
- Mold growth
- Musty odor
- Stained or warped walls or floors
- Sound of running water when there is no visible source
- Low water pressure
- Leaks occur around pipes, faucets, or fixtures
- Leaking pipes result in wasted water and a waste of resources.
- Unexplained puddles or pools of water in your yard or basement.
What Should I Do If I Have A Water Leak?
If you have a water leak, you should take the following steps:
- Turn off the water supply: Locate the main water valve and turn it off to stop the water flow to the leak.
- Call a professional plumber: Contact a licensed plumber to assess the extent of the damage and make necessary repairs.
- Stop the spread of water: Place containers or towels to contain and absorb water to prevent further damage.
- Document the damage: Take pictures and list items affected by the water damage for insurance purposes.
- Dry the affected area: Use fans, dehumidifiers, or open windows to dry the affected area and prevent mold growth.
- Monitor the situation: Check for signs of water damage, such as peeling paint or wallpaper, and continue to dry the affected area until it is completely dry.
It’s important to address a water leak promptly to minimize the damage and prevent further harm. Schedule a full inspection with a professional and inform them of your issues. It could be a quick and easy fix or lead to something more serious such as a line repair or line replacement.
What To Do If You Have A Small Leak
With smaller leaks, the steps required to stop the link are similar to larger leaks but much easier.
- Locate the source: Determine the source of the leak by inspecting pipes, fixtures, and appliances for visible warning signs of damage or dripping water.
- Repair or replace: If the leak is minor, you can repair it yourself using plumbers’ tape or a patch kit. However, if the damage is significant, you may need to replace the damaged component.
- Monitor: Regularly check the area for signs of further leaks and monitor the water meter to ensure that there is no ongoing water loss.
Can A Small Water Leak Cause Damage?
Yes, even small water leaks can cause significant damage over time. Therefore, it’s important to address even minor leaks to prevent further harm promptly.
How Do You Know If A Leak Is Serious?
We often think of plumbing emergencies as massive in-home flooding. But it can be as simple as a dishwasher not draining properly or you’ve noticed a little bit of water in your bathroom or kitchen sink cabinet. None of these sound like a true emergency, except for the massive in-home flooding, but that’s what’s tricky. Signs of a serious leak may appear as a simple leak. This is why it’s important not to hesitate when calling a plumber.
How Long Before A Leak Causes Damage?
The amount of time it takes for a water leak to cause damage depends on several factors, including the size of the leak, the location of the leak, the type of materials affected by the leak, and the amount of moisture in the air.
A small leak in a visible location, such as a leaky faucet, may not cause significant damage immediately. Still, if addressed, it can lead to long-term damage over time. On the other hand, a large leak in a hidden location, such as a leak in a water pipe behind a wall, can cause significant damage in a matter of hours or even minutes. In addition, underground leaks coming from a damaged water line or sewer line can escalate emergency situations even further.
It’s important to address any water leak promptly, even if it appears to be minor, to prevent further harm and minimize the potential for damage.
Understanding the Severity of Leaks and the Importance of Prompt Plumber Inspection
So now we know that water leaks can range from minor to serious and prompt inspection by a licensed plumber is crucial to determine the severity of the leak and prevent further damage. Ignoring a leak, even if it appears minor, can lead to increased damage and repair costs in the long run. A professional can assess the damage, determine the source of the leak, and provide a solution to repair or replace the damaged component.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Tyler serves the East Texas cities of Kilgore, Longview, Tyler, and Whitehouse with a team of certified plumbers. In addition to emergency plumbing repair, some of the plumbing services provided by the company include faucet repair, drain services, toilet repair, plumbing fixture installations, tub and shower installations, kitchen sink repair, faucet installation, water heater repair/replacement, and garbage disposal replacement. Call us today at (903) 730-6611 to schedule an appointment!