If you’ve ever had to deal with a water leak in your home, then you know what a nightmare it can be to sort out. Not only are water leaks highly inconvenient, but they can cause severe damage to your property and indoor flooring and furnishings.
Some leaks, such as those from dripping showerheads and faucets, are more visible and can easily be dealt with or cleaned up before they cause permanent damage. Others, such as the ones that lurk underground or behind walls, often require the professional water leak detection Melbourne plumbers offer. This post takes a closer look at the top causes of water leaks that could put your home or family at risk.
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Know Where to Expect Potential Leaks
In most instances, leaks don’t appear from one minute to the next. Where components such as valves have become worn, a potential water leak usually starts with a minor drip. Others, such as leaks within walls or underground near your drains, may go undetected for months before being detected. Our plumbing team have compiled a list of the top water leak causes to keep an eye out for.
1. Hot Water Heater Leaks
One of the more expensive water leaks to have to deal with is often associated with your water heater. This is especially the case when you’re dealing with an older model that may already have been repaired.
Noticing a leak around or under the water heater is often a sign that the unit is corroded. If this is the case, your plumber will be left with no option then to recommend a replacement. This can be significantly more costly than simply replacing a component such as a thermostat. Your plumber advises keeping an eye out for early signs such as fluctuating water temperatures.
2. Leaking Toilets
If there’s one specific leak that you may not ever want to deal with, it’s a leaking toilet. Not only is this a messy business to clean up, but it’s also super inconvenient for anyone in the home. As with most other leaks, a toilet leak will usually start as a minor drip or leak and can be attributed to a faulty seal.
Our plumbers recommend properly checking your toilet bowl and cistern when cleaning to stay on top of minor leaks. Refer any leaks to your plumber before they get out of hand.
3. Leaks From Drains
Another common leak to be aware of stems from the plumbing pipes on your property. This happens when tree roots cause underground pipes to become corroded and block the pipes. These types of blockages can cause water to flow back up out of your drains or spill into your property.
Some telltale signs that this may be happening include the following:
- Sudden drop in general water pressure
- Appearance of new or unusual wet patches in your garden
- Backflow of water and sewage, causing drains to overflow
These blockages and leaks often require a comprehensive leak detection process to find the exact cause of the leak. Fortunately, our plumbing team will make use of a range of modern technologies to make this process quick and easy.
4. Corroded Pipes
Tree roots aren’t the only culprits that cause damage to pipes. As your plumbing system ages, corrosion damages the pipes, and this can lead to minor leaks that will eventually escalate into major issues. These leaks may not always be visible, and a high water bill is often the first indication that leakage is happening.
If you have received a high water bill, start by checking your yard for unusually wet spots or places where the plants and foliage seem greener than the rest. Be sure to call your plumber for a thorough assessment of the pipes and plumbing on your property.
5. Blocked Drains
One of the more common reasons you may have to deal with a water leak is caused by an overflowing drain. In many cases, this happens when food scraps or grease are consistently flushed down the kitchen sink. Over time, these leaks can cause significant damage to your home’s foundations.
Avoid these types of leaks by refraining from flushing oil and food down the drain. Don’t struggle with drain issues on your own; rather, refer these to your plumber for quick and effective long-term resolution.
6. Water Pressure Issues
Melbourne plumbers also have to deal with water pressure issues, which, if left unattended, can lead to strain on your plumbing. This, in turn, can lead to damage to components such as seals and valves and can also increase the risk of cracks developing. Speak to your plumber to test your water pressure to reduce the likelihood of long-term damage.
Final Thoughts
Water leaks in your home can stem from a range of different causes. If not dealt with timeously, water leaks have the ability to escalate into much larger issues that will be costly to deal with. Our experts recommend keeping an eye on the components that can spring a leak and be sure to call your plumber before you’re ankle deep in water!