A variety of parts complete your home’s plumbing system. Unfortunately, each also has the chance of leaks and bursts. What could ensue ranges from mildly inconvenient to a full-on emergency with extensive water damage if handled too late. Read more about the most typical plumbing concerns.
Burst Pipes
Handling burst pipes can be a scary experience for any homeowner. This issue can occur because of freezing temperatures, a pipe’s old age or lack of durability, a clog, rogue tree roots or even hard water. Burst pipes can cause thousands of dollars of damage if not handled swiftly, and in most cases, you’ll want to consult a professional.
Before the plumber comes, shut off your home’s main water supply. Not sure how? The first step is to locate the water shut-off, which could be in the basement or outside your home. Cutting the electricity to the room or area experiencing the leak is highly recommended so you don’t risk electrocution.
Toilet Leaks
Fixing toilet leaks can be an expensive plumbing to-do if you wait to work on the problem. When toilets leak, they constantly run or spill. Plumbers will likely recommend that you shut off the water valve (located at the toilet’s base) during emergencies before they work on the repair.
Faucet Leaks
Generally, faucet leaks are simple to fix, though you shouldn’t wait to do it—you risk paying a higher water bill because a faucet has been leaking for longer than it should. There are four common types of faucet leaks:
- Cartridge: Stems from a worn rubber washer on the valve seat
- Compression: Not as common in new faucets but can be found in older homes; caused by a bad O-ring or neoprene seal
- Ceramic disc: Usually caused by a crack in the disc and requires a cartridge replacement (which can be expensive depending on your type and model of faucet)
- Ball type: Only common in ball-type faucets and can show a leak in several spots
Faucets can last up to 10 years on average before having to repair or replace them, but longevity depends on factors like the type and age of your faucet, whether you have hard water and more.
Outdoor Leaks
Outdoor leaks are a common type of leak, but can sometimes be tricky to identify. A slab leak, for example, occurs when plumbing pipes crack or leak under your foundation or slab, and can of course affect the foundation of your home, your basement floors and walls and your lawn. The first big give-away that you have an outdoor leak is when you receive an unusually high water bill despite that your water usage was the same as last month.
If you suspect something is off, test your outdoor faucets by turning each one on and checking surrounding areas for unnecessary water. If you see any such areas, you likely have an outdoor leak and should act swiftly to prevent more water damage to your home.
Water Heater Leaks
Water heater leaks, though common, should be dealt with quickly so you can avoid extensive damage to your floors, furniture and walls. There are a number of reasons for water heater leaks, but some typical causes are the water heater age, lack of regular water heater maintenance, inconsistent pressure and sediment build-up.
If you’re an experienced homeowner, you can run a preliminary inspection of your water heater, but if you’re unsure or uncomfortable, call a professional right away. A plumber can conduct a thorough inspection and interpret subtle noises that indicate the root of the issue.