Water Leaks | Plumber Fort Worth

Leaks are a significant source of water waste in numerous households nationwide. Research has shown that the average home can lose 2,000 to 20,000 gallons of water each year due to leaks. Nationwide, household leaks can waste more than 1 trillion gallons of water. Some leaks are obvious, such as dripping faucets. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for leaks to be undetected for years because the source of the leak is not visible. When you suspect water leaks contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth.

Meter Check for Leaks

The water meter can be utilized as a tool to determine whether or not your home has a leak by taking the following steps.

• Make sure all water is turned off inside and outside the home. This includes all automatic water users such as sprinklers, ice makers, etc.
• Record the water meter reading, and wait 1 hour. Be certain no one uses any water during this time or select a time when no one else is home.
• After 1 hour record the reading of the meter again. If the meter has moved it is likely that you have a leak.

Water Supply Line Leaks

Leaks may occur between the meter and the home, in the main water supply line. These leaks may be difficult to detect because the supply pipe is buried below the ground surface. This repair should be provided by a licensed plumber in Fort Worth.

Faucet, Shower, and Tub Leaks

Faucet leaks are common and usually simple to repair for the homeowner with basic plumbing skills. The required repairs will depend upon the type of faucet. The four types of faucets typically found in U.S. homes are the ball types, cartridge types, ceramic discs and compression valve. A faucet dripping at only one drop every two seconds will waste more than 1,000 gallons per year. If you require faucet repair contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth.

Toilet Leaks

Toilets are an additional source of a common household leak. Toilet leaks are often undetected. Larger toilet leaks involving the flap valve can be detected when the tank refills on its own. Toilet repairs are fairly simple for those with basic plumbing skills, otherwise contact a reliable Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth for toilet repair.

To begin looking for leaks remove the tank lid and inspect the flush mechanisms. The water level in the tank should be no higher than 1 inch below the top of the overflow tube. If the water level is at the very top of the overflow tube, water is slowly leaking into the overflow tube and down the drain. There are three potential causes for this problem:

1. The water level is adjusted too high
2. A damaged float is not shutting off the refill valve
3. The ball-cock assembly is worn and needs replacement

A simple food coloring dye test will check for flapper valve leaks in the bottom of the toilet. Place a few drops of food coloring into the tank water. If the colored water appears in the bowl there is a leak in the flapper valve. Leaks occur when the flapper valve does not create a watertight seal when it closes. The flapper valve may fail to seal due to the following causes:

1. The chain is snagging, not allowing the flapper to drop completely onto the valve seat;
2. The valve seat is worn
3. The flapper is worn. A worn flapper is easily replaced.

Whole House Humidifier Leaks

Some homes have whole house humidifiers, usually attached to the furnace ducting and directly plumbed to the water supply providing water to the appliance’s water reservoir. It is common for an overflow drain to be connected to the sewer in the event the refill valve fails to close. If the valve does fail, the water is directly diverted into the sewer. This configuration allows for potential leaks to continue for months or years before anyone realizes the water is leaking. Routine checks of the equipment during the heating season, and turning off the water supply during the cooling season may help to catch leaks early and prevent leaks during the cooling season. If you suspect a humidifier leak a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth can provide the leak detection and repair that you require.

Irrigation System

An in-ground irrigation system should be checked each spring before use to ensure it hasn’t suffered damage to freezing.

Leaking Hose Pipes

The connection between the outdoor faucet and a hose pipe is a common source of leaks, and is simple to repair. Simply replace the washer inside the connector of the hose pipe ensuring it is evenly pressed into place.

Showerheads

When water is leaking at the junction of the showerhead and the pipe stem remove the showerhead and replace the Teflon tape to secure it. Other showerhead leaks will require the services of a plumber in Fort Worth.

A Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth has the expertise to provide a professional repair, backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. In addition, when you suspect a leak and are unable to locate it, a plumber in Fort Worth can provide leak detection to locate hidden leaks. For water leaks or other issues with your plumbing in Fort Worth, contact our dedicated plumbers to schedule an appointment. We provide plumbing services in Fort Worth, Arlington and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with a consistent A+ rating.