Last updated on May 5th, 2024 at 03:19 pm
The last thing you want to find in your home is a leak. It can lead to aesthetic and structural damage, and potentially cost a large amount in repairs. Therefore, if you think you may have seen some tell-tale signs and symptoms of a common leak, it is vital to find the source and fix it. The repair cost is bound to cost less than a leak left to fester and grow. Here are seventypes of leak in your home, and what to do if you find one.
Why Do Leaks Happen?
There are lots of causes behind household leaks that range from small consequences to severe repercussions. These are the most common reasons.
Debris and Clogs
Debris in the pipe system, for example, in the guttering, is a regular culprit for causing leaks and further issues. Regular maintenance can help deter this from becoming a major incident.
Loose Connections
Pipes that run from appliances to a water source, for example,the washing machine to the water pipe, can sometimes come loose. This is one of the most common problems and thankfully it is easy to fix.
Broken Seals
Similarly, appliances may get broken or faulty seals where the connection feeds into the water source. This can happen for lots of reasons, but it needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Pipe Corrosion
Pipes, just like everything, get old and are vulnerable to external forces. They corrode and break over time or as a direct result of extreme weather or old age. When this happens, it is most likely that the system will need replacingentirely, or the problem pipe at the very least.
Harsh Temperatures
Going from a hot day to a cold one is the number one cause ofdamaged pipes. They warp and contract in ways beyond our control which unfortunately leads to cracks and breakage.
House Leaks and External Services
Regardless of the root of the problem, most leaks will need professional input to ensure they are fixed properly and that the problem is intercepted before it becomes a catastrophe. While some basic plumbing skills are easy enough to pick up, fixing a leak goes beyond the skill remit of people that are not trained in this remit. Even if it seems over cautious, a quick search for plumbers near me alongside a recount of what you suspect the issue is will help tradespeople respond to the inquiry with the best proposed course of action.
So, What Are the Most Common Household Leaks?
There are plenty of things that can go wrong in your home. Given how intricate the inner details are and how many moving parts it takes to make a building functional, especially in a domestic setting, there is a lot of space for something to go amiss somewhere along the way. When it comes to leaks, there are seven typical culprits that take the lead.
Under the Sink
Have you ever opened the cupboard under the sink and seen patches of dampness, been met with a musty aroma, or noticed a visible wet patch or things that have been damaged? If the answer is yes, it is possible that you’ve had a leak under the sink. These always need fixing as soon as possible. The first thing to rule out is whether or not it is the drains that are causing the problem. 1. Fill up the sink with the plug in. Open the cupboard door and identify where the pipes are while you do this. 2. Try to tighten up the nuts around the meeting axis and check for any gaps in the sealant. 3. If this doesn’t work, it’s time to call a plumber.
A Tap That Won’t Turn Off
Replacing a washer might be the quickest way to resolve a leaky tap, but it doesn’t always work and not everyone has the confidence to whip in and out and get the task done. It might be a case of a complete removal and replacement, or a professional should be able to find you the cause of the problem. Check the pipes around the tap and double check the washer to make sure everything is as tight as it should be.
Appliance Leaks
Clogged up drainage systems and faulty seals are two of the leading causes of appliance leaks. Anything that uses a water supply, like a washer or dishwasher, is an appliance to keep an eye on. Sealants break, connections become loose because of movement and age is a factor as well.
With appliance leaks, the first call to action is to check out the connector pipes and anything that feeds into another channel. If you can see no obvious signs of decay, leaking, or major holes, check all the sealants too. If there is still a leak but you can’t find the cause, you have the option of calling in a professional to look over it. The worst case scenario is that you have to completely replace the appliance, but often there is a more simple, less expensive fix to implement.
A Faulty Toilet
Toilets see a lot of traffic, so it makes sense that they would break from time to time. When it happens, especially if it’s the only one in the house, it can cause frustration and need fixing immediately. While it’s always safer to just ask an expert service, given how essential the item is, there are some accessible things to try for the DIY plumber such as tightening up the bolts and taking the lid off to check out the cistern mechanisms. Rule out anything obvious (blocked pipes) and if you feel brave enough to do it yourself, try all the obvious solutions and tricks.
Broken Pipes
This should be less of a problem with newer build houses, but older properties certainly fall foul of broken pipes every now and then. They crack under cold temperatures, they corrode and they simply age and falter as the years go by. There is no easy solution to a broken pipe. The chances of a repair being made are slim to none. Therefore, the only way forward that yields a viable output is to completely replace the system and install newer piping into the house’s inner workings. It will take time, and it will be costly, but it is worth the price and the inconvenience to save your house from a major disaster that leaves it inhabitable.
Ceiling Leaks
Ceiling leaks are usually because of water dripping down from an upstairs source like a bath or shower. Sometimes, the room directly underneath the kitchen will see a lot of water marks and damage on the ceiling for completely benignreasons like a toddler threw a jug full of soap and bubbles through the floorboards and it all seeped down the cracks. Sometimes it’s something more serious, like a broken bath pipe that needs replacing. Always worth exploring to avoid excessive damage, ceiling leaks are one of the more dangerous as they can lead to it falling which poses a risk to life.
Leaks, in whatever format, are a major annoyance for any property owner. They can cause overwhelming damage when left unaddressed so as soon as you spot one, be sure to take decisive action with a view to rapid resolution. This is the only way to avoid big costs and structural damage.
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