Water leaks can go undetected for long periods of time and cause a lot of damage. Many water leaks can be prevented by routine maintenance, regular cleanings, and updating pipes and connections. Existing water damage may be a sign that a leak exists or existed in the past. This would be an indicator that this area may be prone to leaks. Any loose pipe connections may also be a sign that a leak may occur in the future.
When it comes to water leaks in your home’s plumbing system the most important thing is to know where the water main shut off is and how to cut off water to your home. If you ever have a leak that can’t be contained by another shut-off valve, cutting off the water to your entire house is your best option. The shut-off valve is likely located in a supply box near the road and may require a special tool to operate.
Common Plumbing Leaks in Your Home
Some common leaks you may encounter in your home include:
1. Burst pipes
2. Pipe connection failures
3. Waterline leaks
4. Toilet supply line leaks
Some of these common leaks are preventable and may provide signs of a future failure.
Best Methods for Preventing Plumbing Leaks
1. Do an inspection of your current piping system. If your home has visible pipes in a basement or crawlspace you should inspect the pipe visually and by touch. If you see any moisture on the pipes or fittings, try to determine the source. Also, check the pipe and fittings for durability. Do any of the pipe or fittings feel weak? Are any of the connections coming loose? If any of the pipe or fittings feel like they are loose or weak you may need to replace the pipe or reseal the connections. Inspections should be performed around the season changes. This allows for inspections to take place during different temperatures and before and after different weather elements.
2. If you live in an area that has frigid temperatures, be aware that water can freeze inside your supply pipes and then turn to ice. As it turns to ice it can expand which increases the pressure in the pipes, causing the pipes to burst. Insulating your supply lines that are not exposed to heat in areas of your home is a great solution to help prevent a burst pipe or water leak.
3. Water-supply line leaks are common in the following areas:
• Kitchen sinks
• Bathroom sinks
• Washing machines
• Dishwashers
In these areas, you can run your finger along the lines or pipes to check for moisture and tightness of each connection. Look for any discoloration on any surfaces, this may indicate there is a small leak. You can take a pair of pliers and tighten up any loose connections at these sources to prevent future leaks that may be caused by a loose connection. If a connection is loose, revisit the now tightened connection every week to try and determine how often the connection loosens.
4. Another way to prevent leaks is to install electric water sensors in various places throughout your home. These water sensors automatically turn off the water when it detects a leak or excessive moisture.
Repairing Water Leaks
When a leak is found, it’s best to turn off the main water source to the house. However, turning off the water via a localized shutoff valve only in the area where the leak has occurred is also an effective solution. The next step is to determine the location and cause of the leak. Once the source of the leak has been identified you can lay out your plan of action. If there are any loose connections, start by tightening them. If it looks like a part is damaged badly, it may be best to replace it instead of trying to repair it. If you’re not sure the best course of action, contacting a plumber may be the best next step to take.
Preventing Water Leaks
How to prevent water leaks in your plumbing? Routine Maintenance, regular cleaning, and updating pipes and connections are the best ways to be familiar with your home's water lines and to prevent water leaks.