Home plumbing is essential and should not be taken for granted. Having consistent water in our homes is amazing as the refreshing morning shower or the clean running tap water is what we always want to wake up to. However, we sometimes do not have power over issues that might arise such as water leaks or burst pipes. These issues may be barely noticeable at first and may result in devastating losses if undetected for long.
Nobody likes spending money on repairs and the costly bills that arise as a result of any type of leakage can be hard on anybody. To save yourself money, you must detect these leaks early and know some easy quick fixes that will protect your home.
How to find a water leak in your home?
Quick water leak detection will sure save you a lot of money; but how do you do this at home? The easiest way will be to invest in a smart water leak detector. These devices are capable of monitoring your water usage and will alert you when they detect a leak.
Alternatively, you can simply just look for some obvious signs. If your water usage has shot up significantly then this could indicate a leak. If your meter is also running when you are not using the water then this could also be a sign that water might be leaking.
Water leaks and how to fix them
Fixing a dripping tap
The dripping tap is very common in most homes. Many people tend to ignore it as they assume that the little drips will not cause significant losses. Dripping taps mean that the meter is still running and this will lead to high bills.
Drips happen due to various reasons. Not turning the tap tight enough, accumulation of debris or general wear and tear could lead to such leaks. If you experience a leaking tap then the first step should be to determine the cause.
Turn off the water supply then inspect the washer for visible signs of debris which you can remove and clean. If the washer is damaged then you might need to replace it. If you trust you have the skills then you can replace the washer yourself, otherwise, you can call a plumber to do the fixing.
Fixing a Leaky Radiator
Leaking radiators will cause damage to your ceiling, floors, and wiring. It is therefore essential that this is fixed immediately after detection. Water leaks in radiators could occur from several different causes. Corrosion of a pipe or a leaking valve could be some of the causes of these leaks.
Fixes for these kinds of leaking will require that you drain the system and refill it. The radiator is fairly complex and in case you spot a leak the best cause of action would be to turn off the water supply and call a plumber to resolve the issue.
Fixing a leaking water pipe underground
A sign of water sprouting up in the garden might be a sign of a burst pipe underground. Accessing the pipe underground will be difficult and the best you can do is to just detect the problem and call the plumbers. Check for large water puddles when there is no significant rainfall as this will be the obvious sign of a burst pipe.
Fixing a leaking toilet
The unsanitary nature of this leak makes it one of the worst leaks in any home. When you flush a toilet and notice a leak at the bottom of the toilet it might be an issue with the rubber seal. If you are sure the leak is from the base of the toilet then you should stop using it.
The water leaking from the toilet will be dirty and you will need a disinfectant when clearing up the leak. To fix this make sure that the toilet is positioned correctly. If you are a handy person then you can do this by yourself and you will need a wax ring and an adjustable wrench to unscrew and tighten the bolts. If you do not have the tools then you can always call for professional help.
Fixing a leaking plastic water pipe
Make sure you know where the leak originates from. Turn off the water supply and replace the affected water pipe. Alternatively, you can use some easy quick fixes like the use of tape and epoxy. You can also use a hose clump or rubber to give you some valuable time as you seek professional help.
Fixing a leaking shower
Overflowing and leaking in showers and baths are common. If undetected you might be looking at very high bills. A broken seal around the plughole could cause the overflow of water. Check for the pipes that connect the water supply to the taps.
Locating these leaks may prove difficult as some may be located behind the walls if you are using a bathtub. The silicone on the bathtub may also begin to allow moisture in and you must seal it to prevent moisture from damaging the areas around the bathtub.
