The Water Leak Problem
Everyone has experienced an awful leak. You go to use your toilet in the morning and a puddle has amassed itself at the base of the structure. Or perhaps you open up the cupboards under the kitchen sink and are greeted by wood that looks like it might start rotting. The worst is when stench appears in your house and it’s not until tearing up a floorboard do you discover that there was a leak in the pipe, after which you are left to deal with a growth of mold.
No matter the situation, a leak has caused you great annoyance and possibly lots of money in repairs. Below, plumbing experts share how to identify a leak, the damage leaks can cause, and what you can do to prevent it.
What Is a Water Leak?
The first thing to do for a leak is to identify where it’s coming from, usually by letting the water run and watching where it comes out. For pipe leaks, make sure to let the problem area dry completely before doing anything. If it’s a hole in the pipe, use a putty knife after it’s completely dry to spread epoxy over the hole. Wrap rubber around the epoxy and clamp it for an hour.
After the hour, you can remove the clamp but leave the rubber on and wrap it in waterproof tape. Run the water to check if it’s still leaking. For some types of leaks, you just need to replace the part causing the leak, like in a faucet. Also, some leaks might be too hazardous and are best left to professionals to take care of.
How It Starts
There are multiple reasons as to why you might have sprung a leak. If you hit your faucet hard the wrong way with something, you might have damaged it leading to a leak. In terms of pipes, older pipes are more likely to start leaking from the wear and tear of transporting water. Consistent use of high water pressure, such as when you’re showering, might put too much strain on the pipes and they break.
For under-the-sink leaks, putting too much stuff under the sink can lead to stuff bumping into the pipe, leading to a damaged pipe or loosened connection between two pipes. If there’s a leak from the base of your faucet, then the o-ring in the faucet base might have gone bad. Leaks in your shower are likely caused by a gasket in your tub drain and the valve that allows you to turn on the showerhead.
Leakage Prevention Tips
Another thing you can do is check your water bill to see if there are any unreasonable spikes. If there are, then you might be at the start of a water leak. If you’re especially worried, you can get a leak detection system for your pipe system.
Work With a Local Plumber
Plumbing experts at C & D Plumbing Inc. have been serving the residents of Fort Lauderdale for over a decade. Whether it’s plumbing needs or sewer and drain cleaning, they provide fast and efficient services. Contact them today for help with your water leak concerns.