Leaks that happen in a home can lead to significant damage and expensive repairs. If left unattended, they can also cause a huge spike in your water bill.
Knowing the common leaks that happen in your home can help you prevent them from developing. Listed below are some of the most common places where leaks occur.
1. Faucet Leaks
A faucet leak can be very annoying and a big headache. It can cause staining in the sink, flooding in the bathroom or kitchen, and elevated water bills.
Leaky faucets often result from faulty gaskets, washers, or o-rings. They can also be caused by mineral build-up and corroded pipes.
If you have a leaky faucet, it is important to get it fixed as soon as possible. The problem will worsen over time if it is left untreated, and the cost of repairs can be extremely expensive.
Faucets can be a common leak in homes because they are usually used daily and are subject to more wear and tear than other parts of the plumbing system. In some cases, these leaks are small and easy to fix, but they can be very costly if not addressed right away.
2. Water Heater Leaks
A water heater is a very essential part of any home, so if it leaks it can cause significant damage. It can also be costly to repair or replace so it’s important to find out what the problem is as soon as possible.
Water Heaters are designed to last a long time, but they still need maintenance and inspections. This can include draining the tank to clean out sediment and checking connections from the inlet and outlet pipes.
Pipe corrosion is a common problem with water heaters. This occurs when the metal pipes inside the heater rust and corrode over time.
In addition to leaking, the corrosion can also corrode the heater’s internal components. This can make the water heater unsafe to use and it might even require a complete replacement.
3. Toilet Leaks
Every year, a typical home loses around 2,000 to 20,000 gallons of water due to leaks, leading to a significant waste of water and money.
A leaking toilet is one of the most common leaks that happens in a home, and if left unfixed they can cause damage to your plumbing, pipes and other fixtures, as well
to increase your utility bill. That’s why it’s so important to take care of leaks as soon as possible, so they don’t lead to further damage.
Typically, toilet leaks happen due to the deterioration or failure of parts that are meant to form a watertight seal. For example, the flapper at the bottom of a toilet tank is supposed to seal off the area where the water flows into the bowl.
This is usually the result of wear and tear over time, but it can also be caused by rusted or cracked pipes. It’s possible to fix a flapper on your own, but for most serious issues, it’s best to call a plumber in.
4. Sump Pump Leaks
A sump pump is a key mechanical fixture that helps keep groundwater out of your basement. The pump sits inside a sump pit (a hole in your basement or crawl space floor that collects water channeled by a drain tile system).
When the water level in the pit reaches a certain point, the pump activates and sends it up a discharge line outside of your home. The discharge pipe should be buried at least 5 inches below the frost level to prevent it from freezing during cold weather.
If your sump pump isn’t working, there are some things that you can check to determine whether it needs repairs or not.
For example, if you see signs of mold or mildew growing in the grate at the bottom of the sump pump pit, it may be time to call a plumber. A professional will be able to take care of the problem quickly and effectively, so that you can avoid flooding in the future. They can work on everything from blocked drains in Melbourne to clogged drains, water leaks, etc.
