A variety of parts complete your home's plumbing system. Unfortunately, there is also a risk of leaks and breakages with both. The consequences range from minor inconvenience to a serious emergency with significant water damage if reacted too late. Read more about the most common plumbing problems.
Burst pipes
Dealing with burst pipes can be intimidating for homeowners. This emergency can arise from factors such as freezing temperatures, old or rusty pipes, clogs, tree roots and hard water. A burst pipe can cause thousands of dollars in damage if not repaired quickly. In most cases, you will need a local plumber or an emergency plumbing service to help you.
Before your plumber arrives, turn off your home's main water supply. First, look for the water shutoff. Depending on your home, it can be installed in different locations, such as the basement or outdoors. Then turn off power to the room or area where the leak is located to avoid the risk of electric shock.
Toilet leaks
Fixing toilet leaks can be a costly plumbing job if you wait to fix the problem. When toilets leak, they constantly leak or water leaks. In an emergency, plumbers will likely recommend that you turn off the water valve (located at the bottom of the toilet) before beginning repairs.
Faucet leaks
In general, leaky faucets are easy to fix. However, you shouldn't wait – you risk paying a higher water bill because a faucet has been leaking for longer than it should. There are four common types of faucet leaks:
- Cartridge: Comes from a worn rubber washer on the valve seat
- Compression: Not as common on new faucets, but found in older homes; caused by a bad O-ring or neoprene seal
- Ceramic Disc: Usually caused by a crack in the disc and requires cartridge replacement (which can be expensive depending on the type and model of your faucet).
- Ball Type: Only found on ball valves and can leak in multiple locations
On average, faucets can last up to 10 years before needing repair or replacement. However, longevity depends on factors such as the type and age of your faucet, whether you have hard water, and more.
Outdoor leaks
Outdoor leaks are a common type of leak but can sometimes be difficult to detect. For example, a slab leak occurs when plumbing pipes beneath your foundation or slab rupture or leak, and of course can affect your home's foundation, your basement floors and walls, and your lawn. The first big sign that you have an outdoor leak is if you receive an unusually high water bill even though your water usage was the same as last month.
If you suspect something is wrong, test your outdoor faucets by turning on each one and checking surrounding areas for unnecessary water. If you see areas like this, there is likely an outdoor leak and you should act quickly to prevent further water damage to your home.
Water heater leaks
Water heater leaks should also be addressed quickly to avoid damage to your floors, furniture, and walls. There are several reasons for water heater leaks, including the age of the water heater, lack of regular water heater maintenance, uneven pressure, and sediment buildup.
You can carry out your own preliminary examinations at any time. However, if you are unsure or feel uncomfortable, consult a professional. A plumber can not only thoroughly inspect your system, but also quickly interpret subtle clues like a strange noise that isn't obvious to many homeowners.
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