10 Things About Plumbing Leaks That You Should Know | Plumber in Fort Worth, TX
One of the worst things about plumbing leaks is that it can be extremely difficult to find out where the leaks are coming from. You might enter the kitchen and step into a puddle of water but nowhere in sight, have you seen water dripping. It’s alright; this is what a plumber in Fort Worth, TX is for. Such a qualified professional knows how to fix leaks in a matter of minutes. We advise you not to look at DIY YouTube videos if you happen to find a leak.
Usually, when people hear the drip drop of water, they chalk it up to the valve been not being fully closed or some other excuse. Plumbing leaks will not only waste water but also cause damage to your house, as well as to your health. If you have floorboards, water will cause an infestation underneath and might even make the floor you walk on a danger zone. On the other hand, if you see small air pockets forming on the wall, which is a dead giveaway of a leak, it means that the moisture is seeping into the foundation. This can cause the foundation to shift and create further problems.
While we advise calling a plumber immediately for a water line repair in Fort Worth, TX, in order to prevent the above-mentioned damage, you need to spot the leak in time. This is why we have come up with ten things you should know about plumbing leaks. With some due diligence, you can not only spot the leak but also prevent it from occurring.
1. Make Sure the Pipes Are Well Wrapped
You might have never looked at where the water pipes lead outside the house, which is probably why you don’t know they should be well-insulated, especially the cold water pipe. In winter, cold water tap is seldom used. Usually, the pipes are close in-touch with the building. When there’s low water flow, the pipe starts to freeze as temperature goes down. This causes a leak as water pressure builds up. In order to prevent this from happening, keep the main valve open at all times. Moreover, insulate the pipe and the surrounding space.
2. Check the Basement
Plumbing pipes are usually visible in the basement and you can easily spot the damage here. A few of the signs are buckling of the ceiling and drops of water on the floor. At this point, the water damage has already run its course and you need to call a plumber in Fort Worth, TX.
3. Check Underneath the Sink
Most of the times, the leak can be located underneath the sink. Do you feel moisture and a blast of warm air every time you open the sink cabinet? This varying temperature is usually caused by a blockage in the pipe. It’s possible that old pipes might start to sag and loosen, which leads to a leak. So, do open the cabinet and check the pipe from time to time.
4. Leaky Connection
Bend down and look right beneath the sink where the pipe connects with the wall. Do you see droplets here? There are two reasons why the leak is located here: first, there’s a problem with the drain work, in which case you need to call for water line repair in Fort Worth, TX. Second, the connecting bolt might have come loose and just needs a little tightening.
5. Faulty Spigot Valve
Installing a hose bib that is frost-free allows you to keep the water flowing and puts a stop to it just inside the house line. This works really well in the case where the pipe runs through the cement foundation.
6. Keep the Radiator Valve Open
The valve direction of the radiator should always be pushed back, from where the steam is coming. Now, when water will condense, it will flow right back into the boiler.
7. If the Water Heater is Leaking, Its Dead
If you see water standing around the water heater, then it’s due to the worn out plumbing lines. Find out the water heater’s model and make, and call for plumbing in Fort Worth, TX. If you are lucky, the water heater might get fixed. In this case, slide a pan underneath it to catch the dripping water. Of course, if the water heater is dripping water steadily every second of the day, then its better you replace the entire system.
8. Replace the Gasket
One of the most common plumbing leaks is a blown out gasket. The reason behind this is a faulty washer that causes the faucet to drip constantly. For a plumber in Fort Worth, TX, this is an easy fix. If you have an isolation valve for this area, the first thing you need to do is close it, so that water no longer flows in this pipeline. The plumber will disassemble the system, replace the washer and then reinstall the fixtures.
9. Mechanical Faucets Don’t Last Forever
Despite what people believe, those mechanical faucets (the fancy ones), don’t last forever. At one point or another, they will start leaking water. This is why; do call a plumber in Fort Worth, TX for maintenance once every six months.
10. Worn Out Washer
A washer usually lasts for 2 to 3 years and after that, it starts to disintegrate. Keep a few in your toolbox, so that when you call for plumbing maintenance, the plumber in Fort Worth, TX can replace it then and there.
Your plumbing system is quite complex and trying to fix any leak on your own can cause problems in other areas of the house. While DIY YouTube videos might sometimes prove helpful, they can also be misleading. So, better call a plumber in Fort Worth, TX. If you are looking for a professional and trustworthy plumber, then visit Benjamin Franklin. The company offers all kinds of plumbing services from leak detection to water heater repair, drain cleaning, line repair installation, sink tub replacement and more. To get in touch with a plumber in Fort Worth, TX area, call 817-983-7876.