Plumbing leaks aren’t only stressful, they also cost homeowners a lot of money in repairs, restorations and replacements. Read further if you have questions about leaks in your plumbing. We’ll tackle them one by one in this article. We’ve also gathered helpful answers from a trusted plumber. If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us anytime. We always welcome questions or clarifications from homeowners.
Common Questions About Leaks
Below are some of the most common questions about plumbing leaks. Call us immediately if you suspect leaks in your plumbing so we can locate the leak and resolve the problem.
1. What Causes Leak in Your Plumbing?
One good thing about leaks is that it doesn’t occur overnight. They usually happen when the homeowner neglects their plumbing. Below are the causes of leaks in your plumbing. Make sure you read through and remember them to avoid problems.
High water pressure – High water pressure can damage pipes, causing them to break and leak water. You would want to avoid this at all costs or it’s going to even cost you a lot more in repairs. Use a water pressure gauge to test the water pressure in your home, and the water pressure levels should be within 40-60 PSI. Call a plumber when the water pressure is either too low or too high. Low water pressure usually indicates a leak in your plumbing too. To remedy high water pressure, call a plumber to install a water pressure regulator.
Burst pipes – This only happens in the winter. You don’t have to worry about this when you don’t get freezing temperatures in the winter. Otherwise, properly insulate the pipes so they don’t break and start to leak. You can also open the faucet so that hot water can flow through the pipes. Or try not to turn off your heating and open the cabinet doors underneath the sink for warm air to circulate in that area as well.
Tree roots – The tree roots don’t directly cause the leak but they can cause major damage. Tree roots are attracted to moisture or water so a tiny leak in the pipes is enough for the tree roots to completely infiltrate and cause a catastrophic plumbing leak. You need to call a plumber if you suspect leaks in your plumbing so that a plumber can do a proper inspection and find the leak.
Sediment – When you have a slow drain, we suggest you call a plumber right away for professional drain cleaning. Don’t wait for the clog to cause a leak in the kitchen. Remember, you won’t only be dealing with leaks when there’s a clog. You’ll have to deal with other problems such as pest infestation or unpleasant smells in the kitchen. And imagine how inconvenient this would be when you have visitors at home. Try to also avoid using chemical-based drain cleaners to get rid of a clog, because this type of cleaner can also damage the pipe. Get in touch with a plumber instead for a professional drain cleaning service.
Poor repair or installation – Never cut corners when it comes to repairs or installations. Always hire a licensed plumber to ensure the problem is permanently resolved and will not recur. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay extra. Incorrect installation and repairs can also lead to other problems with your plumbing including leaks. Call a plumber today if you need plumbing repairs or professional installation.
2. How Do I Know There’s a Leak in My Plumbing?
What are the signs of leaks in your plumbing? The obvious signs to look out for include seeing pooling water near the water heater, pipes and other plumbing appliances or fixtures. Call a plumber immediately so they can further investigate. You need to also watch out for the hidden signs of leaks in your plumbing which include:
Higher water bill – If your water bill is suddenly higher, there could be a leak in your plumbing. Consider doing a water meter test to find out if leaks are what’s causing the higher water bill. Just do two separate readings and compare the first water meter reading to the second one. If the figures are different, that indicates a leak in your plumbing. Call a plumber ASAP for professional leak detection to locate the leak and fix it.
Low water pressure – When there’s low water pressure in just one faucet, the problem could be the fixture. Perhaps you just need to tighten it. If there’s low water pressure in all fixtures, there could be a leak in your plumbing. Contact a plumber so they can further investigate and check for leaks. Don’t worry, our plumbing experts are experienced and competent when it comes to locating a leak. We’re also fully equipped. Rest assured, we’ll do our best to resolve the issue on the same day.
Water spots in the walls or ceilings –