Water leaks can often be an annoying and expensive problem.
Left untreated, a small leak in your pipes can quickly become much bigger, requiring more costly repairs.
Knowing when to call a plumber can help you save money and prevent further damage.
Let’s look at some signs that it’s time to contact an experienced plumbing professional.
What Causes Water Leaks and How to Prevent Them
Understanding the different causes of water leaks is essential in preventing them from occurring in your home. Let’s look at the most common causes of water leaks and how to prevent them.
Aged Plumbing
One of the most common causes of water leaks is aged plumbing. As pipes age, they become more prone to corrosion and leaking due to wear and tear over time.
To prevent this from happening, it’s important to regularly inspect your plumbing system for signs of damage or deterioration. If you notice any issues, it’s best to get them repaired as soon as possible to avoid any further damage.
Tree Roots
Another cause of water leaks is tree roots growing into or around your pipes. Tree roots are naturally drawn towards moisture, so if there are any cracks or breaks in your pipes, they can easily enter and create even more damage.
It’s important to check your pipes regularly for any signs of cracking or damage tree roots could cause. If you see any signs that this might be happening, it’s best to call a plumber as soon as possible.
Blocked Drains
Blocked drains are another common cause of water leaks in the home. If a drain becomes blocked with debris or dirt, the pressure inside the pipe can build up, eventually leading to a leak.
To prevent this, it’s important to routinely clean out your drains using an appropriate cleaner and ensure there isn’t anything blocking them from functioning properly.
Damaged Pipes and Pipe Joints
Over time, soil movement around the plumbing pipes can cause small fractures in the pipes or joints that allow water to escape. If left unchecked, these small fractures can become major issues due to further corrosion or rusting of the pipes.
To prevent this from happening, you should regularly inspect your plumbing system for any signs of wear and tear. Make sure all connections are secure, replace any cracked seals, and make sure there are no loose fittings that could cause a leak.
Movement of Earth Around Plumbing
Another common cause of water leaks is movement in the soil around your plumbing pipes due to changes in temperature or weather conditions. This movement can pressure your plumbing pipes, causing cracks or breaks that will allow water to escape from the system.
It’s important to check your plumbing system regularly for any signs of damage caused by this type of movement to prevent further damage from occurring. Suppose you notice any cracks or breaks in your plumbing system. In that case, it’s best to contact a professional plumber who can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action for repair or replacement.
Damaged Washers and Broken Seals on Taps
Another common cause of water leaks is damaged washers and broken seals on taps AND faucets.
In many cases, these problems can be easily fixed by replacing worn-out parts with new ones. However, if they are not replaced promptly, they may lead to bigger problems down the line, such as corrosion or rusting, which could ultimately lead to a more expensive repair job in future.
How to Identify a Water Leak in Your Home
It’s essential to stay on the lookout for signs of a water leak so that you can get it taken care of quickly and efficiently.
Increased Water Bill
An unusually high water bill is one of the first signs that something might be wrong with your plumbing system. If you’ve noticed that your monthly bill has been steadily increasing, it may be time to investigate further.
Sound of Flowing Water
Another sign of a potential water leak is the sound of running water when all taps are off. It could indicate a hidden leak somewhere in the walls or under the flooring, which can be difficult to detect without professional help.
Visually Apparent Leaks
If you spot an exposed pipe leaking, this is another sign that something is wrong with your home’s plumbing system and should not be ignored. However, even if the exposed pipe appears dry, this doesn’t necessarily mean there isn’t a problem. Some pipes may still have a slow-dripping leak that will only become noticeable if left unchecked over time.
Wet Patches on Your Lawn
Another indicator of a potential water leak in or around your home is wet patches on your lawn or garden which won’t seem to dry up after several days of sunshine or windy weather conditions. These wet patches may indicate an underground pipe that has sprung a leak and needs immediate attention from experts capable of repairing these issues quickly and efficiently.
Mould Patches
A common and obvious indicator that you may have a water leak is if there is a mould patch on your wall, floor or ceiling that will not go away no matter how many times you clean it. If this occurs, it could indicate an underlying issue like a plumbing or roof problem where water is seeping through and causing the mould patch.
Low Water Pressure
Another sign that you might have a water leak somewhere in your home could be ongoing low water pressure throughout your house without explaining why. It could mean an issue with one of your pipes, leading to a loss of pressure due to the slow release of water from somewhere else.
Signs You Should Call a Plumber for Water Leaks
Water leaks can be difficult to identify because they don’t always manifest in obvious ways. If you see any signs listed in this article, it’s best to contact a professional immediately before the problem worsens.
Final Thoughts
If you suspect you have a water leak in your home, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team at All Elements Plumbing immediately.
We offer comprehensive services and emergency repairs so that you can get back to enjoying your summer as soon as possible!
Contact us today if you have any questions about identifying or addressing water leaks in your home.
About All Elements Plumbing & Gas – Your Local Plumber, Close by and Here to Help When You Need It Most!
Finding a reliable tradesperson to attend to your home is not always easy. We offer a good-different service. We will pick up our phone, or you can submit a callback request, and we will call you.
We can help with all plumbing and gas services in your home. You can rely on All Elements Plumbing & Gas to treat your home like our home. We will communicate with you about what work is being done and why; the area will be kept clean and tidy, and we will only supply you with quality workmanship and materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to Do if Water Is Leaking?
If you notice that water is leaking, it is important to assess the source and severity of the leak immediately. You can start by looking at visible components in your home, such as toilet bowls, cisterns or taps. If the leak appears larger than a few drops or has been going on for an extended period, it could indicate a more serious issue. In this case, we recommend calling a licensed plumber for further assistance.
How Can You Tell Where a Water Leak Is Coming From?
The best way to determine the origin of a water leak is to check your water meter. If it doesn’t appear to be moving, you can look for other potential sources, such as air conditioning units, irrigation systems or hot water systems. Checking for damp patches on walls and ceilings can also help isolate potential leaks.
What Causes Water Leaks in Houses?
Faulty plumbing fixtures, old pipes and joints, or improper installation and maintenance typically cause home water leaks. Other common causes include dripping taps, leaking washing machines and overflowing tanks or cisterns.
How Do You Know if a Leak Is Serious?
It’s important to act quickly if you suspect a serious leak in your home, as even small leaks can lead to bigger problems. Signs of a serious leak include large amounts of moisture pooling beneath appliances or fixtures; continuous dripping from pipes; concealed leaks which may result in visible damp patches; or changes in your water bill which suggest unaccounted-for consumption. If any of these signs are present, we recommend employing the services of an experienced plumber to perform a thorough inspection and provide repair options as soon as possible.
To make sure there isn’t an undetected but potentially damaging leak present in your home, try using food colouring to perform a simple ‘leak test’ on toilets and other potentially vulnerable fixtures such as basins or baths, checking hot water systems like geysers and cisterns regularly for any signs of damage, and inspecting any outdoor components such as irrigation systems or those connected to your water tank.
